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Saturday Night's Mischief, Mayhem & Mystery in Rome & Floyd County >> DETAILS
Pedestrian Launched Over Downtown Bridge Sidewall After MVA Collision >> DETAILS
UPDATE 2ARREST MADE > PD Issues Lookout
with VIDEO for Hit & Run Car Resulting in Fatality (1.4.23) >> DETAILS & VIDEO
FYE If you or someone you
know have young children that needed a realistic reminder of who visited their house Christmas Eve, just show them these pictures & VIDEO of Santa & his REAL reindeer along with Rudolph's
glowing red nose as they arrived in Rome >> PICS & VIDEO
BOLO ALERT! PD Issues Lookout for Male with Gun in Shannon Area >> DETAILS
Two Santas Greeting Shoppers at Rome DIY Store >> PIC
Two Unusual Passengers Spotted in Car at Local Store >> DETAILS & PICS
Rome Seed & Feed Store Long Gone But Baby Chicks Still On Display at Local Farm Supply Store >> DETAILS & PICS
Shooting Death in W Rome Results in One Arrest >> DETAILS
LOCAL SURVEY: Should the Rome Christmas Parade be changed to a weekend night? - SEE THE >> CONVERSATION
Demolition of Former Bellsouth / AT&T Admin Building on 2nd Ave Nearly Complete >> DETAILS / PICS
Warning Period for New Speed Cameras on MLK >> DETAILS
Two Shot with Two Arrests in Garden Lakes >> DETAILS
PD Arrests Murder Suspect After Wrecked Abandonded Car Found Behind the Levee & Deceased Person Found Across Town >> DETAILS
Driving Like They Stole It - See Video of What Recently Happened on Shorter Ave
>> DETAILS & VIDEO
The Warnock and Walker race for the Ga Senate position has resulted in a runoff / Current Ga Gov Brian Kemp Defeats Opponent >> DETAILS
Running Counter Found on Local Ballot Terminal Hiding in Plain Sight During Early Voting >> DETAILS & PICS
You may have gotten weather info for your outdoor sports events, fishing conditions, etc from him for decades but WSB TV Chief Meteorologist Glenn Burns has announced his retirement after
40 yrs set for late November generating 10K+ viewer comments >> DETAILS
FCPD RELEASE: FCPD hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at the law enforcement center on 11.3.22 at 1P to celebrate the opening of the renovated gym facility. The renovations were the
result of the agency winning the Chris Conti Memorial Grant through Innovative Fitness, who awarded us more than $100,000 in new floor & equipment.
Rome High Student Charged After Gun Found at School >> DETAILS
UPDATE Former Rome Surgeon Gets 10 Years Probation in Plea Deal After 2019 Arrest >> DETAILS
Local High School Football Coach Not Returning After 2022 Season >> ROME SPORTSNET
City Landmarking Committee to Unveil Newly Designated Landmarks >> DETAILS
Coosa Resident Captures Satellite Activity on Video in SW Floyd Sky >> VIDEO
Trains Collide Affecting Multiple Crossings Around the City & Across the County >> DETAILS
FCPD RELEASE: Police are investigating the death of a woman, identified as 34 yr old Kayla Cherie Gettrost, at a home in the Shannon community in N Floyd and investigators are currently
waiting on an examination by the state crime lab. Officers responded to a 911 call at 77 Baker St on Thursday (8.25.22) at 6:15A in reference to an unconscious female. Emergency medical
services were already on scene and attempting life saving measures when police arrived. Investigators are not prepared to make a conclusion about the manner of death until after the
autopsy. Circumstances of the events leading up to the 911 call are actively being pursued. "It would not be prudent to speculate about the death of anyone until we have all the facts,"
said Jeff Jones, commander of the investigative division. "All deaths are considered to be homicides until there is evidence to indicate otherwise."
UPDATE 2 RCPD RELEASE: On 8.25.22 at about 2:53A, Rome Police officers responded to a second 'SWATTING' call at the residence of Majorie
Taylor Greene. This call was received on what appeared to be a suicide crisis line from an internet chat.
Officers responded once again to Mrs Greene’s home and confirmed this was a second false report. The Rome Police Department Criminal Investigation Division is working in conjunction with
the Capitol Police on this active investigation and no further information can be released at this time.
EARLIER >> RCPD RELEASE: On 8.24.22 at about 1:03A, Rome Police officers responded to a 911 call in reference to a subject being shot multiple
times at an address within the city limits. When officers responded, they discovered this was the home of US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. She assured the officers there was no
issue and the call was determined to be a false call commonly known as “SWATTING”.
Rome/Floyd 911 received a second call from the suspect who was using a computer generated voice stating that he/she was upset about Mrs Greene’s political view on transgender youth rights.
The Rome Police Department Criminal Investigation Division is working in conjunction with the Capital Police on this active investigation and no further information can be released at this
time.
DETAILED NOTES FROM RESPONDING OFFICERS' REPORT According to responding officers' report notes, Floyd 911 sent RCPD officers to a location to investigate the report of a man who had
been shot five times in a bath tub. The call came in from a VA crisis line. As the details continued to be relayed, it was reported that a female was still in the residence & possibly had
some children with her.
Multiple officers responded to the residence & while on the way they were informed that it was the residence of Marjorie Taylor Greene. Due to the nature of the call, the responding officers
formed up at a nearby intersection in the neighborhood then made their approach to the residence still unsure of exactly what had transpired or what was still in progress. A tactical
approach was made to the residence & the doorbell was rung.
After several minutes, they were met at the door by the victim. They informed her of the reason they were there & she assured them there was no issue. She stated that she would forward the
issue to the appropriate security services & requested a 'keep check' on her residence.
After PD cleared the call & went back in service, Floyd 911 received a call from the suspect, claiming responsibility for the incident & explaining his/her motives. It was a computer
generated voice saying they were upset with Mrs Greene's stance on 'trans-gender youth's rights' & saying that they were trying to 'SWAT' her. The suspect claimed that he is connected to
the website KiwiFarm.net which is a site that supports cyberstalking. The suspect stated that their username is 'AltisticRight'.
The address listed is 202 E 37th St, Richmond, VA
The phone connected to the profile is '901.922.9912'
The number used for both the call to the VA & the call to 911 was '762.225.0353'
Audio from both calls can be obtained from Floyd 911
PD Investigating Incident with Weapon Recovered at Coosa School >> DETAILS
Grand Opening & Ribbon-Cutting for New Visitor Center Gift Shop on Broad St (2.3.22) >> DETAILS & PICS
FCPD Investigating
Threatening Racial Slurs Painted on SW Floyd Church (1.30.22) >> DETAILS & VIDEO
FYi Check back soon for exclusive local Tennis Center info obtained by RFN after several requests. As a taxpayer you may find it rather
interesting, especially if you are a local government employee.
Two COVID Treatments No Longer Authorized for Use >> DETAILS
Big Name Local Industry Employees Help Berry Plant 1000+ Longleaf Pines for Project >> DETAILS
Walmart Self Checkout Attendants Monitoring & Stopping Transactions Remotely with
Mobile Devices >> DETAILS & VIDEO
Floyd Schools Close Due to COVID Effects >> DETAILS
FYE
If you or someone you know have young children that needed a realistic reminder of who visited their house Christmas Eve, just show them these
pictures & VIDEO of Santa & his REAL reindeer along with Rudolph's glowing red nose as they arrived in Rome >> PICS & VIDEO
FBOE Super-i Issues Letter on Sanitizing Schools Over 4 Day Break, Gameday Vaccinations Along With Student & Parental Concerns on COVID Upon Students' Return >> DETAILS & CONVERSATION
New COVID Test Site Available at Rome Fairgrounds on 9.1.21 >> DETAILS
Coosa Middle Student Dies from COVID Related Illness >> DETAILS
E-Crews Investigating Tandem Midnight MVA vs Pedestrian & Structure Fire Both in N Rome >> DETAILS
PD Investigating Report of Person in Black Car Grabbing Child in Area of Shorter Ave at Redmond Cir >> DETAILS
Berry College Converting Motel on Martha Berry Blvd Into Student Housing >> DETAILS
BOLO ALERT! PD Investigating Late Morning Bank Robbery in W Rome with Suspect Uncaught >> DETAILS
PD Investigating Fatal Shooting in W Rome >> DETAILS
UPDATE Walker Mountain Landfill No Longer Accepting Home Garbage Effective in June >> DETAILS
| Walker Mountain Landfill Adjusting Rates Effective in June >> DETAILS
UPDATEBERRY RELEASE: After months of no public access, the Berry College campus has reopened to the public as of 5.9.21 until
further notice. Hours are 6A to 7P & the campus is accessible for outdoor recreation use only.
Storm Winds & Rain Fell Trees Blocking HLC & Sending 600+ Area Residents Into Darkness >> DETAILS & PIC
After Decades of Service the W Rome Hardee's Is Gone - See New Business Construction >> DETAILS & PICS
UPDATE Vaccine to Resume Since Earlier GDPH Suspension After Several Recipients Showed Adverse Reactions >> DETAILS
| >> UPDATE DETAILS
MVA in N Floyd Results in Two Fatalities >> DETAILS
Floyd Schools & Local Hospital to Bring Vaccinations to Area High Schools >> DETAILS
TRAFFIC FYi Traffic Slowed with Lane Closure on T McCall As Work Continues on Hospital Crosswalk Tube >> DETAILS & PICS
2021 Floyd Schools Graduations to Be Held at Schools >> DETAILS
Multiple PD Units Respond to Broad St After Report of a Male Displaying a Gun >> DETAILS & PICS
Starting 3.15.21 Ga Expands COVID Vaccine Eligibility with Specific Qualifying Medical Conditions >> DETAILS
Public Health Ending Free COVID Testing in NW Georgia >> DETAILS
BOLOUPDATE New Suspect Vehicle List Released from Paint Transfer Evidence - PD Investigating Fatal Hit & Run in SE Rome >> DETAILS | EARLIER >> DETAILS
Multiple PD Units Stop Car & Make Arrest Near Downtown - Blood Found on Car & Occupant >> DETAILS & PICS
PD Charges 13 yr Old Student for Replica Pistol & Another 'Weapon' at School >> DETAILS
DPH & DHS Team Up to Help Seniors Get COVID Vaccine >> DETAILS
Potential Buyers Invited to Tour Glenwood Primary School Property >> DETAILS
Floyd Health Dept Has COVID Vaccine Available with Little Demand >> DETAILS
FCSO Deputy Finds 2 yr Old Female Wandering Alone in W Rome Near Lake >> DETAILS
SE Floyd Neighborhood on Alert After Resident Finds Young Burglar in House >> DETAILS & VIDEO
GDPH Announces Two New Ways Available to Register for COVID Vaccine in NW Ga >> DETAILS
First Case of More Contagious COVID Variant Identified in Ga >> DETAILS
Expect Delays for Vehicle Registrations, Titles & Tag Renewals During a State Software Update in Mid-January >> DETAILS
More Georgians to Become Eligible to Receive COVID Vaccine >> DETAILS
FYE
If you or someone you know have young children that needed a realistic reminder of who visited their house Christmas Eve, just show them these
pictures & VIDEO of Santa & his REAL reindeer along with Rudolph's glowing red nose as they arrived in Rome >> PICS & VIDEO
Floyd Board of Elections & Registrations Conducts Emergency Meeting to Review Threatened Litigation for Elector Challenge & Possible Executive Session >> DETAILS & CONVERSATION
UPDATE City Provides Clarity for Recent Mandatory Mask Ordinance >> DETAILS
5.8K+ COVID Vaccine Doses Arrive in Georgia >> DETAILS
LOCAL POLL > Will You Use the COVID Vaccine Rolling Out Across the Country >> DETAILS & CONVERSATION
County Commission Issues Statement About COVID >> DETAILS
UPDATE Ongoing Local Election Recount Schedule & Status >> DETAILS
UPDATE After Recently Resuming, Local Jury Trials Postponed Again Until 2021 >> DETAILS
UPDATE Floyd Voting Administrator Terminated After State Audit Reveals at Least 2600 Presidential Election Ballots Not Counted in Floyd
County >> DETAILS
Local City Govt Facilities Closed to Public for In-Person Transactions & Officials Urging Citizens to Practice Safety to Prevent COVID Spread >> DETAILS
Coosa & Pepperell Football Games Canceled Due to COVID Exposure >> Rome SportsNet
An Estimated 30K People Attended Trump's Rally in Rome on 11.1.20 - See Many Pics of Huge Crowds Inside & Outside the Rally & More >> DETAILS, PICS & CONVERSATION
Saturday Night's Mischief & Mayhem (10.31.20) List Includes Various Overnight Incidents >> DETAILS & PICS
President Trump to Visit Rome Airport for Rally on Sunday 11.1.20 >> DETAILS
Guns & Limited Ammunition Re-Stocked at Local Walmarts After Brief Removal Nationwide Related to Riots, Looting & More >> DETAILS
Zeta Brings Heavy Winds & Rain to Floyd County Downing Trees & Damaging Power Lines Affecting Thousands of Residents >> DETAILS
LOCAL POLL 2 > What do you think about the accuracy of political polls? >> LOCAL CONVERSATION
LOCAL POLL > Who do you think prevailed in the final 2020 presidential debate, Donald Trump or Joe Biden? >> RESULTS & CONVERSATION
FYi Two 10.23.20 Local HS Football Games Cancelled Due to COVID Exposure >> ROME >SPORTSNET
PD Addresses Reports of Prohibited Activity at Local Early Voting Locations >> DETAILS
FYi Mid-Season Reminder for COVID Guidelines While Attending Floyd Schools Athletic Events >> ROME >SPORTSNET
New Central Locations Discovered to Get Non-Ethanol Fuel for Your Small Engine Equipment - Generators, Mowers, Blowers, Trimmers, etc >> DETAILS & PICS
FYi Public Invited to Downtown Rome Events for Week of Halloween Including Candy & Free Movie >> DETAILS
Multiple PD units Block Village Entries / Exits to Cite Loiterers / Excessive Vehicle Sounds & Continued Curfew Violations Also Covered >> DETAILS, PICS & CONVERSATION
UPDATE 30 Days in & PD Still Has No Solid Leads for Fatal MVA with Pedestrian in W Rome >> DETAILS & PICS
First Day of Local Early Voting Delayed by Tech Issue - Early Vote Locations & Hours - Local Early Mail-in Voting Numbers >> DETAILS
Man Arrested After Trespassing at a Location on the Boulevard of Broken Dreams >> DETAILS & PICS
UPDATE See Exclusive Previews of Recent & Older Pics, Video & Info Since the 2 Month FB Lockout >> DETAILS
UPDATE RFN Restored on Facebook After 2 Month Lockout - See What Happened with Screenshots & More >> DETAILS
UPDATE Model Football Game Canceled for COVID Exposure Risk - Games Re-Scheduled >> ROME SPORTSNET
FBOE Names Interim As New Superintendent After Sudden Resignation of Previous Super Weeks Earlier >> DETAILS
FYi If you are not yet aware, both local Walmarts are now closing at 10P, extended from 8:30P. The fuel station at the 411E location
closes at 11:30P but there is still no info about if or when the main store's operations will return to 24 hours.
City of Rome Launches Mask-Up Rome Ambassador Program >> DETAILS
FYi Berry College is reminding everyone that its campus remains closed to the public until further notice to suppress exposure to
COVID-19.
Four Teens Arrested Associated with Shannon Grandmother Shooting Death >> DETAILS
FYi County Servers Hit with Virus Prompting Scan of 650 PCs >> DETAILS
Bridge Inspection Crew Slows Traffic on Turner McCall Blvd with Specialized Equipment - See Alternate View >> DETAILS & PICS
Amid Heated Regional & National Protests & Riots Local PD Reminds Citizens About Required Permits for Demonstrations & Protests >> DETAILS
Pedestrian Hit by Car on T McCall Seriously Injured & Airlifted for Advanced Care >> DETAILS & PICS
UPDATE 3 Fatal Shooting in N Rome Results in Teen Suspect Arrested for Murder >> DETAILS
Floyd Judicial Center Closed Due to Employee Testing Positive for COVD-19 & Improvements Coming to State's COVID-19 Daily Status
Report >> DETAILS
Two Disturbing Videos Surface Showing What Appears As A Violent Stabbing Attack on
Broad St in Downtown Rome >> DETAILS & VIDEO
Rome Resident Shoots Dramatic POV Video the First Night of & While Inside the
Atlanta Riots >> DETAILS & SIX VIDEOS
Atlanta PD Is Managing a Violent Protest in front of CNN Center in Downtown >> DETAILS & VIDEO
Heated Dispute at Dean Ave Daycare Prompts Four PD Units to Respond >> DETAILS & PICS
PD Identifies Driver That Fled on Foot in W Floyd Near State Line After Chase in Stolen Car >> DETAILS & PICS
SWAT Responds & Makes Arrest at Home on Big Texas Valley Rd in N Floyd >> DETAILS
GBI Arrests Two Associated with Double Homicides on East Loop with SWAT Assisting in E Rome Apts >> DETAILS
Ga DPH Distributes Remdesivir to Hospitals for Treatment of COVID-19 >> DETAILS
Fatal MVA Rollover Reported in Western Floyd >> DETAILS
GBI Issues BOLO for Victim's Missing Car >> DETAILS & PIC
/ Two Deceased Females Aged 19 & 30 Identified After Discovery Under Bridge on the Loop - GBI Declares as Double Homicides >> BACKSTORY
FYi Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Week May 10-16 Cancelled for Health Safety - See Honor Roll >> DETAILS & PICS
UPDATE FCPD Locates Owner of Decals Left on Homes Generating Complaints - Now Appears Legal >> DETAILS & PIC
UPDATE Male Driver Charged with DUI, Felony Warrant & More After Female Passenger Seriously Injured in Overnight MVA Collision with Tree
in S Floyd >> DETAILS & PICS
GDPH Exceeds 100K COVID-19 Tests in 10 Days with Testing Now Available to All Georgians >> DETAILS
Dr Gary Voccio, Health Dir GDPH NW Health District Gives Detailed Analysis, Risks & Guidelines for Resuming Public Activity >> DETAILS
Gov Kemp & Dr Toomey Urge Georgians to Wear Face Coverings to Fight COVID-19 >> DETAILS
UPDATE FCPD admin offices have re-opened. PD requests that citizens please continue to use physical distancing & call or e-mail the
offices as possible alternatives.
PD Searches for Motorcyclist Who Fled on Foot Into Neighborhood Near Coosa High School >> DETAILS & CONVERSATION
TRAFFIC FYi Partial Road Collapse Reported on Horseleg Creek Rd (4.25.20) >> DETAILS & PIC
FYi See the 4.23.20 COVID-19 Patient Status from Rome Hospitals >> DETAILS
Public Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Awarded $20K Grant for New Transport Vehicle >> DETAILS
Two Fatalities Confirmed in West Rome MVA >> DETAILS
FBOE Pop-Up Food Market Provides Various Food Items for Participating Families >> DETAILS
FREE COVID-19 Testing for ANY Northwest Georgian at Four Sites >> DETAILS
Floyd Schools Stadium Lights Will Burn to Honor Classes of 2020 Fridays Through April & Into May >> DETAILS
FREE COVID-19 Testing for Those with Symptoms Now Available in Northwest Georgia >> DETAILS
GDPH - The Danger of Ending Social Distancing Too Soon >> DETAILS
Virus Remote Screening Site Finishing Week Three of Testing in W Rome Church Lot >> DETAILS & 12 PICS
Lone Masked Couple Taking No Chances Spotted Walking on Broad's Quiet Sidewalks. Have you seen any masked citizens walking in open air places in Rome? >> PICS & CONVERSATION
Sharp Increases in COVID-19 Cases & Deaths in Georgia >> DETAILS
Rome City Clerk's Office Announces Business License Renewals Extended 60 Days >> DETAILS
Wild Multi-unit PD Chase with Corvette Ends in Violent Collision with PD Unit
>> VIDEO
Vital Importance of Physical Distancing & COVID-19 Statement from Dr Gary Voccio, GDPH Director >> DETAILS
Vehicle Break-ins Continue in Lindale & Rosemont Park Even with PD's Knowledge >> DETAILS
Citizens Not Co-operating & Local PDs Actively Enforcing No Large Gathering Ordinance / Statewide Shelter in Place Order Starts Friday / City & County Schools Closed for Year >> DETAILS & CONVERSATION
City Manager Comments to RFN Clarifying Rome's Health Status But No Lockdown Yet - Also See Extensive Detailed Shelter in Place Guidelines >> DETAILS & CONVERSATION
City Water Reminds Residents to Only Flush Toilet Paper & See List of No-Flush Items >> DETAILS
RNT Removes Paywall During Viral Period - What You Should Know If You Pay for Access >> DETAILS & PICS
Citizen Captures LIVE Video of PD Dog in Wooded Area Tracking Burglar of Coosa
Store >> DETAILS & VIDEO
Arrest Made for Shooting Death Reported in West Rome >> DETAILS
Large Fire Reported at International Paper in Coosa >> DETAILS & PICS
FYi
See Interesting & Detailed Behind the Scenes Videos of Online Market Places Managing Billions of Packages & Returns Creating Massive Waste -
Also Use Caution Before Buying Food, Medicine & Personal Care Products (dumpsters involved) >> VIDEOS & DETAILS
FYE
If you or someone you know have young children that needed a realistic reminder of who visited their house Christmas Eve, just show them these
pictures & VIDEO of Santa & his REAL reindeer along with Rudolph's glowing red nose as they arrived in Rome >> PICS & VIDEO
Multiple PD Units Detain Suspicious Man on Broad St at Turner McCall >> DETAILS & PICS
Fire & Smoke at Medical Clinic Prompts Evacuation >> DETAILS
FYi FBOE to Use Efficient ID System with Alerts for Visitors, Contractors & Volunteers at
Schools >> DETAILS
FYi
ATTN WALKERS, RUNNERS & HIKERS - Local Trails Have Isolated Sections & Female TV Personality Physically Shows How You Can Defend Ambush Attacks >> VIDEO
FYiDo you open carry? Walmart bans open carry & ceasing sales of certain guns &
ammunition in WM & Sam's stores nationwide & Kroger follows >> DETAILS & CONVERSATION
Animal Welfare Services Takes in 40 Medium-sized Dogs from Hoarding Case in Floyd >> DETAILS
BOLO UPDATE S Rome Shooting Suspect Turns Himself In >> DETAILS & PIC
FYi Armuchee School Locked Down After Report of Possible Firearm >> DETAILS
Several Arrests & Citations Made at Three Road Checks >> DETAILS & PICS
FYi Ga Dept of Health Issues Report of Dangers from Vaping >> DETAILS
UPDATE Two Males Shoot Each Other in SE Rome >> DETAILS
BOLO Shooting Death Off Chateau Dr with Suspect Still Sought >> DETAILS & PIC
PD Responds to Brawl at the American Legion on Shorter Ave >> DETAILS & PICS
UPDATE City of Rome Public Safety Committee to Revisit Community Plan Addressing Homelessness >> DETAILS
One Arrested After Alleged Gun Threat at W Rome Residence >> DETAILS & PICS
FBOE Confirms Data Breach Revealing Student Info >> DETAILS
$4K+ Rewarded to Floyd Citizen by GAC for Info Leading to Arson Conviction >> DETAILS
FBOE Allowing Water Bottles on School Buses During Heatwave >> DETAILS
FYi Berry Music Hall to Get $6.3M Renovation >> DETAILS
FYi UPDATEComms Increase DT Parking Time to 3 hrs & Roll Back Enforcement Cut-off from 8P
to 6P > Parking Authority Lists Alternate FREE Parking Areas for Graduations >> DETAILS
| FBOE Reserving Forum Parking Deck for Graduations >> DETAILS
Big Truck Collides with Car on 411E at Loop - Truck Leaves Road & Car Heavily Damaged But Its Driver Avoids Serious Injuries (5.19.19) >> DETAILS & PICS
UPDATE 4TEEN ARRESTED WITH 2ND SUSPECT SOUGHT > Female Shot in Garden Lakes & Car Found in
Ditch Across Street (5.18.19) >> DETAILS & PICS
UPDATE Two Female Teens Arrested for Pointing Guns Along with Threats >> DETAILS & PIC
TRAFFIC Branham Ave Closing for a Week During Pipe Repair >> DETAILS & PICS
Rome City Schools Announces Plans to Buy 35 Buses >> DETAILS
Seven Shots Fired at Fleeing Car Prompts Cave Spring Schools Lockdowns >> DETAILS & PICS
FYE PD Officer Rides Stolen Scooter on Shorter Back to Store >> DETAILS & PICS
FYi If you refueled at the east Walmart at any given time & haven't been by since 4.28, the
entire station is now gone. An employee said they are building a new station in its place that will have a built-in convenience store & should
be completed by mid-summer.
FYi Area Health Depts Offering Free Hepatitis-A Vaccines Starting Throughout May >> DETAILS
FYE
See if YOU or someone you know were captured in a LOCAL wild dashcam drivers series >> VIDEO
FBOE Streamed LIVE Video Introducing New MHS Football Coach >> Rome SportsNet
FYi Maintenance Crew Sandblasting a Turner McCall Bridge Overnight for 1-2 Weeks with
Reason Unknown So Far >> DETAILS & PIC
FYi RFPRA Sponsoring MLB Competition for 7-14 y/o Kids in Late April >> Rome SportsNet
FCPD Arrests Man After Short Chase, MVA & Manhunt in South Floyd >> DETAILS & PICS
Female Arrested for DUI & More at Alto Plaza on Shorter Ave After Heated Dispute >> DETAILS & PICS
Pedestrian Hit on 27N / SUV 180° Rollover Found Empty / Church Struck by Car / Stranded Boater Located / Male Collapses on Calhoun Ave /
Man Walking Into 53N Traffic >> DETAILS & PICS
UPDATE Horseleg Creek Re-opens 9 hrs After Giant Trees Destroy Power Pole & Lines >> DETAILS & PICS
PD Officers Grab Man Over the Rail of Downtown Bridge >> DETAILS & PICS
TRAFFIC 20+ Tons of Earth Slides Down Roadside Hill in N Floyd & High Water Covering Another
Area Road Closing Both >> DETAILS & PICS
Three Jailed After Bar Brawl with Injuries in W Rome >> DETAILS & PICS
Two Juvenile Females Abandon Wrecked Car After Striking House in G Lakes >> DETAILS & PICS
UPDATE 3 The Two RFPRA Employees Have Resigned & Partially ID'd with Internal Investigation
Info Released to PD >> DETAILS THREE
| Two RFPRA Employees on Leave During Investigation >> DETAILS TWO
| RFPRA Director Submits Resignation >> DETAILS ONE
FYi UPDATE Local PD Agencies' Cars Failing & Falling Apart with Two Towed - See DETAILS,
PICS & CONVERSATIONS for the >> RCPD UNIT
| >> FCPD UNIT
Fire Damages House & Causes Blockage of Maple Rd in S Floyd >> DETAILS & PICS
MVA Claims One Life Among Six Injured in South Floyd >> DETAILS
PD Investigating Overnight Deer Slayer & Female Teens Call 911 After Downing HC Pills >> DETAILS
FYE If you or someone you know have
young children that needed a realistic reminder of who visited their house Christmas Eve, just show them the pictures & VIDEO of Santa & his
REAL reindeer along with Rudolph's glowing red nose as they arrived in Rome >> PICS & VIDEO
MVA Rollover with an Arrest on N Broad St Just off Turner McCall >> DETAILS & PICS
UPDATEMALE ARRESTED Severely Beaten Female in Alleged Domestic Attack in N Floyd
Rushed for Treatment After Believed Deceased >> DETAILS & LOCATION PICS
Romans Alerted of Attempted Child Abduction(s) at Local W Mart Generating 100s+ Comments & 1000s+ Shares - PD Issues Statement >> DETAILS
ROLLUP MVA Runaway Collision on Shorter Ave Into Lot & 2 Structure Fires >> DETAILS & PICS
The 2018 Rome Christmas Parade was held 11.27.18 starting from E 1st Ave & then down Broad St. There were also a few incidents on Broad St that
the PD was involved in during & shortly after the parade >> DETAILS & PICS
Elderly Man Shot & Killed in Southeast Rome Friday Night (11.23.18) >> DETAILS & 14 PICS
House Fire Displaces Resident(s) on Black's Bluff Rd >> DETAILS & PICS
PD Chases SUV to S Rome After Boom Sound in Lindale & Evidence of Masked Bandit Found in W Rome Business - Both on (11.22.18) >> DETAILS & LOCATION PICS
FYiSaturday Night's Mischief & Mayhem (11.17.18) List Includes Several Various Incidents - SEE DETAILS & PICS >> LIST ONE
| >> LIST TWO
27N MVA Rollover (PICS) / UPDATE: ARREST MADE > SWAT Deployed in Coosa / Free Downtown Holiday Parking & New Tag Scanner Unit /
Christmas Parade Around Corner with Increased Entry Fee >> DETAILS & PICS
DUI & Distracted Female Rolls Car on N Broad Late Saturday Night (11.10.18) >> DETAILS & 10 PICS
Coroner Confirms MVA Fatality in Coosa Late Friday Night (11.9.18) >> DETAILS
FYi Floyd Schools to Discontinue Standard Free Lunches >> DETAILS
FYi Seasonal Ice Rink at Forum Opens on Saturday (11.10.18) >> DETAILS
UPDATE Coroner IDs Deceased Female Victim in S Floyd Roadside & Classifies it Suspicious >> DETAILS
FYi PD Removes RFN Comment on PD FB Page Criticizing Bar Owner, So Who Wears the Pants, the PD or
Bar Owners / PD Cracking Down on Alcohol Related Activity on Broad >> DETAILS
FYiSaturday Night's Mischief & Mayhem (11.3.18) List Includes Several Various Incidents >> DETAILS
FYi Migrants
Swarm Drivers on European Interstates & Residential Areas >> 3 VIDEOS & CONVERSATION
| Former VP Joe Biden Proud of US White Population's Decline / Pan European Kalergi Plan Info / Rare George Soros 60 Minutes Interview >> 2 VIDEOS
FYi
Relentless Overseas Telemarketers Revealed in Video Report >> VIDEO
Man Gets Physical with Cab Driver & Then PD / 2 Overdoses Reported >> DETAILS & PICS
FYi Just how many people did attend the recent Democratic Gov candidate event on Broad St?
See 12 CLEAR pics including an overhead shot along with other interesting info about this event >> DETAILS, PICS & CONVERSATION
Fire Destroys Big Truck at Shorter Ave Business Near Midtown >> DETAILS & PICS
South Floyd MVA Results in Fatality of Local Teen Student >> DETAILS
UPDATENEW DAY PICS OF HIDDEN DROP-OFF Empty Car with 2 Child Seats Found Down Embankment on Old Summerville Rd - Woman & Kids Seen Walking Away >> DETAILS, PICS & CONVERSATION
Four Shot at Different Locations in N Rome with At Least One Confirmed Fatality >> DETAILS & CONVERSATION
UPDATE 3MACHETE ATTACK SUSPECT CAPTURED IN TEXAS / Machete Attacker's 2nd Getaway Car
Recovered in Florida > See new details in either link > See Suspect's Recovered Primary Car Along with Bio Pics >> DETAILS & 13 PICS
& EARLIER >> Female Seriously Injured in Machete Attack >> DETAILS & PICS
Man Arrested for Flashing Gun at Broad St Bartender, DUI & More >> DETAILS & PICS
Heritage Park Gazebo Roof Fire Under Investigation >> DETAILS & PICS
MVA with Unknown Injuries Slows Traffic on Loop at Calhoun Rd >> DETAILS & PICS
Man Standing on Truck Broadcasting from PA Speaker Heard for Blocks in W Rome >> DETAILS & PIC
Felony Traffic Stop Detains 3 & Arrests 1 for Gun / MVA Plunges All of Elm St Into Darkness / Reported Shots Fired in W Rome Residential Area
>> DETAILS & PICS
UPDATE 3MACHETE ATTACK SUSPECT CAPTURED IN TEXAS / Machete Attacker's 2nd Getaway Car
Recovered in Florida > See new details in either link > See Suspect's Recovered Primary Car Along with Bio Pics >> DETAILS & 13 PICS
& EARLIER >> Female Seriously Injured in Machete Attack >> DETAILS & PICS
Apartment Fire Displaces 10+ Residents & Later Fire Consumes Car >> DETAILS & PICS
SWAT Responds to Location in East Floyd & Arrests Female After Stand-off >> DETAILS
FYi Local Public Agency Radio Network Restored After Outage >> DETAILS
FYi Barron Stadium Fitted with New $249K Video Wall & Scoreboard >> Rome >SportsNet
Three FCSO Units Search for Female at Martha Berry Motel >> DETAILS & PICS
Vehicle Fire Reported in Backyard of Towing Service >> DETAILS
FYiSaturday Night's Mischief & Mayhem > List Includes Thefts from 2 Businesses, 2 Arrests
Made for Roadside Brawl on East Loop >> DETAILS, PICS & CONVERSATION
4 yr Old Child Drowns in E Floyd Pool / Central Plaza Dollar Store Robbed with Suspect Still on Run / Recycling Center Hosting
Scrap Tire Amnesty Day >> DETAILS
Intoxed Person with a Gun Fights with Another That Jumps in River at Concert / Village Restaurant Evaced When Filled with Smoke /
Pedestrian Hit by SUV on T McCall at Village After Fire / Intoxed Person Passed Out at Floyd Library / MVA with Several
Injured on M Berry at the Loop >> DETAILS, PICS & CONVERSATION
FYiWhite-Tailed Deer Lecture at Berry / Celebrating 1 yr Anniversary as a Bee City
/ Rail Crossing Work Begins Around the City & Across the County / Rules & Procedures for City Residential Solid Waste Collection
& Recycling Services >> DETAILS
UPDATE Female Arrested for False Report & More in Plot Twist >> DETAILS & CONVERSATION
- EARLIER >> Intense Manhunt Underway on 27N at GSP Barracks Across from Armuchee Village for Armed Man that Walked Into GSP Barracks &
Threatened to Shoot a Female >> DETAILS & CONVERSATION
FYi Town Green Fountain Closed Now Until Early June & County Officials Visit New Everett
Springs Water Line Extension Construction Sites >> DETAILS, PICS & CONVERSATION
Multi-agency Manhunt in Calhoun Rd Area Results in Arrest After Suspect Killed One & Seriously Injured Another in Bartow >> DETAILS, PICS & CONVERSATION
FYi FBOE Names Top Three Finalists in Superintendent Search & the City Announces Expanded
Free Parking Program >> DETAILS & CONVERSATION
2 Injured in ATV Rollover Deep in Woods Behind Coosa School / Man Arrested for Improper Meds Possession After Reported Unresponsive in E Rome Drive-thru >> DETAILS, PICS & CONVERSATION
FYi The Floyd County Board of Commissioners recently approved the naming of Earl Tillman
Drive at Russell Regional Airport in honor of local citizen, pilot, former flight school & hangar owner, Earl Tillman.
FYi PD Issues Stern Warning to Parents & Juvenile Offenders Involved in Downtown Mischief
>> DETAILS & CONVERSATION
FYi UPDATE
Community Invited to Presentation on Proposed Parking Plan & Rates >> DETAILS & CONVERSATION
- EARLIER >> Downtown Parking Public Forum on 3.21.18 > Check out an interesting & fun to watch short video about the science, economics &
effects of free off-street parking >> DETAILS, VIDEO & CONVERSATION
UPDATEDRIVER CHARGED WITH VEHICULAR HOMICIDE & MORE - MVA Fatality Claims the Life
of a 33 yr Old Female on the West Connector - Is this intersection safe? >> DETAILS & CONVERSATION
Truck Plows Through Wooden Fence in Shannon Residential Area Friday >> DETAILS
30 New On-street Parking Spaces Added to W 3rd St Downtown to Relieve Surrounding Lot Overflow >> PICS & CONVERSATION
SWAT Arrests Two in S Floyd After Home Intrusion >> DETAILS
FYi Think Twice Before Using Home DNA Kits & See What's Being Used in Candy You Buy >> DETAILS
FYi Is the End Near for Rome's Mall?
See how mall owners make their decisions from location & layout to anchors, store choices, partnerships & more >> PICS, VIDEO & CONVERSATION
UPDATE 4Shooting Suspect Intruder ARRESTED - Female Homeowner Shoots Male Intruder Entering
Window. Get DETAILS, PICS & CONVERSATIONS in >> POST 1
& >> POST 2
FYi The ground breaking ceremony for the Rome Fire Department Memorial Plaza took place on
3.4.18 behind City Hall. RFD Chief Troy Brock stated, "this is an historical moment for our department that we all have been waiting on for
over twenty years so please join us".
FYi RFPRA Partners with Pitch in for Baseball Providing Baseball Gear for Those in Need >> Rome >SportsNet
FBOE Board & Local Police Officials
Discuss Safety, Security & Arming in Local Schools >> VIDEO
Man Deceased After Booking at Floyd Jail Sunday >> DETAILS
FYi Rome / Floyd Launches Updated Geographical Info Survey Map Tool (GIS). Get the link
>> HERE
UPDATE
Fatal Shooting at Burnett Ferry Store & 2nd Shooting at N Elm St Store. See details, updates, location pics, WSB TV video report &
the conversation in >> POST 1 &
>> POST 2
| >> THIRD SHOOTING DETAILS
FYi See Floyd County's Ten Most Wanted featuring images & bios >> HERE
SWAT Activated During Standoff at W Rome Residence Just Off Shorter >> DETAILS
UPDATENEW Model & Armuchee Head Football Coaches Named >> Rome >SportsNet
Local Ice Rink Proposed As Downtown Attraction >> DETAILS
Berry Tennis Program Awarded $10K Grant But None Goes to Taxpayer Funded Tennis Center Used by Them >> DETAILS
Stolen Reindeer Figure from Broad St Median Recovered with Hundreds in Cash Sent with Note >> DETAILS
FYE
If you or someone you know have young children that needed a realistic reminder of who visited their house Christmas Eve, just show them the
pictures & VIDEO of Santa & his REAL reindeer along with Rudolph's glowing red nose as they arrived in Rome >> PICS & VIDEO
Rome Defeats Warner Robins in Dramatic Shutout for State Title >> FINAL SCORE
(12.5.17) Late Tuesday morning, RFD responded to a kitchen fire involving the exhaust system at Wendy's on Shorter Ave in West Rome causing
minimal damage, no injuries & closure for 1 or more days. The Popeye's restaurant just a few blocks east on Shorter Ave that was gutted by an
intentional fire related to money theft by an employee 1+ years ago is showing signs of active renovation.
FYE The 2017 Rome Christmas parade, Peace on Earth, was held 11.28.17 on Broad St in
downtown Rome >> PICS & COMMENTS
Shooting Reported in S Rome on 11.26.17 - Victim Shot Several Times >> DETAILS
Fully Involved House Fire on Near Etowah Park in E Rome >> DETAILS
SWAT in W Rome / MVA on 20W at Theater / Collapse in FCSO Booking / Sleeping Kids & Pot Smoke / Stolen Tip Jar & More >> DETAILS
Trench Walls Collapse Trapping Water Dept Worker >> RNT ( FREE! ) - (NOTE: To access other stories for FREE, simply turn your PC, phone or tablet's cookies completely OFF in your device's browser privacy /
security settings >> 4 EASY STEPS
but turn cookies back ON for other sites to work properly) >> MORE PAYWALL INFO
Clocktower Downtown Broken Into & Item Stolen >> DETAILS
ShorterU Student Robbed at Gunpoint in Dorm >> DETAILS
FYE
Famous actor, Burt Reynolds, made an appearance at a Rome film event at the DeSoto Theater on Broad St over the weekend of Nov 10-11 & while
here, city officials presented Mr Reynolds with a certified document proclaiming Nov 10th as Burt Reynolds Day in Rome >> VIDEO & CONVERSATION
Apartment Fire Seriously Injures Elderly Female in Southern Floyd >> DETAILS
FYE Floyd Schools Bands to Appear a Little Bit ... Different in 2017 Rome & Atlanta
Christmas Parades >> DETAILS & CONVERSATION
FYi
Floyd Public Works Director Shares Needs of Aging Facility Such as Leaky Roofs & More >> DETAILS & VIDEO
Two Arrested for Fatal Shooting of Berry Student Found Shot & Deceased in North Floyd & Third Arrested on Related Charges>> DETAILS & LOCATION PICS
FYiRELEASE: There will be a public interest meeting for anyone that has concerns
for the future of the Oaknoll Memorial, Floyd Memory and/or Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens Cemeteries on Monday evening at 5:30P at the Woodmen
Camp located at 1628 Wilkerson Rd in Rome. This meeting is for discussion about a class-action lawsuit that is forming about conditions of lots
& services at local cemeteries. Everyone is invited >> BACKSTORY
Middle School Student Brings Airsoft Gun to Campus >> DETAILS
Vehicle Reported in the Water in Remote W Floyd >> DETAILS
RCPD Officer Holds Suspect at Gunpoint After Reported Shots Fired & Pursuit in N Floyd >> DETAILS & CONVERSATION
FYiRELEASE: Due to several recent incidents, Floyd County Public Works would like
to ask that anyone who places piles of brush or yard debris on the right of way do so away from water meters & fire hydrants. The truck that is
used to remove the piles of brush can cause damage to meters & hydrants when the piles are too close. We appreciate everyone’s help &
cooperation.
FYiRFPRA: As of 10.21.17, the Town Green fountain will be closed until further
notice due to mechanical issues.
Baby Delivered in Floyd Court Parking Lot >> DETAILS
FYi More Victims Sought After FCPD Charges Senior Couple & Son for Construction Work Scheme >> DETAILS
FYi Floyd County Commission Accepts Library Land Use Proposal from RACA, Health Department
Now Offering Flu Vaccine, County Playgrounds Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies >> DETAILS
Armed Robbery Reported at Maple Ave Store >> RNT ( FREE! )
- (NOTE: To access other stories for FREE, simply turn your PC, phone or tablet's cookies completely OFF in your device's browser privacy /
security settings >> 4 EASY STEPS
but turn cookies back ON for other sites to work properly) >> MORE PAYWALL INFO
FYiFloyd 911: A controlled structure burn for RFD training producing a lot of
smoke was visible on Ave A & N 5th Ave off of Turner McCall into Saturday afternoon. Ave A was closed between T McCall & N 5th Ave during this
operation >> DETAILS & PICS
Taggers Hit Broad St Alley with Racey & Filthy 'Art' >> DETAILS & PICS
FYi
If you approach a local PD unit without notice, see what may happen & why they may be unusually wary >> DETAILS & VIDEO
Local Insurance Agent Arrested for Fraudulent Insurance Premium Activity Thursday Morning (8.24.17) >> DETAILS & ARREST PIC
(8.19.17) Shot(s) Fired Through Window in N Rome with at Least One Bullet Found in Wall - This comes only days after a shooting in West
Rome (see shooting link below) >> DETAILS
On 8.21.17, Rome & Floyd, along with NW Ga, experienced a partial solar eclipse estimated at 97% that began displaying its effects around 1P
with its maximum effect around 2:25P creating a surreal dimming & tinting of the sun's light softening shadows creating crescent shapes
(see pics link) on the ground under trees as weakened & shaped light rays penetrated their canopies. The low light level also activated
lighting systems that are triggered with photo cells in some parking lots near downtown. As shown on many live tv news broadcasts, many parts
of the country experienced a full eclipse turning day into night for a 2-3 minute period >> CRESCENT SHAPES ON GROUND PICS
& more tech >> DETAILS (5 pgs) (.PDF)
Shooting Victim ID'd & Scenario Described but No Arrest(s) Yet > Midnight (8.14.17) Shooting Injury Reported at Burnett Ferry Rd Residence >> DETAILS & LOCATION PICS
BOLOFCPD Issues Lookout & Warning Involving Teen Runaway
After Fleeing from Downtown Courthouse in July >> DETAILS & PIC
FYi Parking lot bandits struck again & among other locations recently, Friday afternoon's
(8.11.17) was the second in a week at Midtown Crossing on Shorter Ave >> DETAILS
If you missed it & although it
happened days ago in Calhoun, it's still interesting to view because you don't see much raw, uncut citizen-shot video of local area police
doing what they do to keep everyone safe >> VIDEO
UPDATE 2 New Sod Arrived at Pepperell's Dragon Field after a delay prompted a first home
game relocation plan. See 12 location pics of the installation along with the backstory on >> RSN
Late Thursday afternoon (8.3.17), RFD, EMS & RCPD responded to a two vehicle MVA with injuries on Redmond Cir at Gala Ctr in West Rome which
started a conversation about installing a traffic light at this location. See >> DETAILS, 7 PICS & CONVERSATION
FYi
Meet a real, live billionaire & sociopath who could be affecting you in various ways now or in the future >> VIDEO
Sat (7.29.17) Driver slams into E Rome store | Rider falls off horse & reported to be knocked out in S Floyd | RFD units respond to ShorterU |
Another horse rider injured, this time in N Floyd | Elizabeth St shut down >> DETAILS & PICS
SUV & Pickup Collide on the Loop at Calhoun Rd Sunday Afternoon (7.23.17) >> 8 LOCATION PICS
Saturday Afternoon (7.15.17), Semi Truck Driver Found Deceased in Idling Truck on 27S Ramp >> DETAILS
UPDATE 3 Three, Now Totalling 13, Arrested in Floyd BOE RICO Case >> NAMES, CHARGES & ARREST IMAGES
& for more details >> RNT ( FREE! )
- NOTE: Try it first, but you may have to log OUT of FB then click on the link to get free access.
UPDATE 2 CVN media O&O (oh sorry, a 'local businessman' to media pals) Files Suit Against
2 Floyd Magistrate Judges, One of Which Released Him Early After Reducing & Altering Bond Terms Since His Recent Arrest but for some
reason, RNT didn't have aaany trouble posting his picture this time when he was wearing a nice suit & tie after they intentionally removed
his arrest image from the arrest report as described below >> RNT
- (NOTE: To access this story for FREE, simply turn your PC, phone or tablet's cookies completely OFF in your device's browser privacy /
security settings >> 4 EASY STEPS
but turn cookies back ON for other sites to work properly) >> MORE PAYWALL INFO
- BACKSTORY >>FYi The Rome newspaper REMOVED ALL PICS from their jail report along with this booking image >> DETAILS, CHARGES & CONVERSATION
FYi Local NASCAR Circuit Driver Moving Ahead in His Career. See Bio & Backstory Now on >> RSN
FYiTHIS is what our police, fire & EMS would be driving if some of our local cheapskate politicians, other influential powers & lapdog,
shameless shills MEDIA had their way. Thanks to those who argue & battle with them for much needed upgrades to keep us all safe & secure!
>> VIDEO
UPDATESEE ARREST IMAGE & 21 CHARGES > GSP Unit Holds Driver at Gunpoint After MVA
Rollover in Extreme N Floyd >> DETAILS
UPDATE 4RCPD CONFIRMS FELONY CHARGES ALONG WITH OTHER POSSIBLE FIREARM CHARGES FOR
MID-TEEN SOUGHT IN RECENT SHOOTING & Shooting Victim ID Released - RCPD RELEASES STATEMENT > Sunday night (7.2.17), a confirmed shooting
injury was reported at a store on Calhoun Ave near Atteiram Heights in N Rome >> NEW DETAILS & UPDATES
& here are the >> ORIGINAL DETAILS, UPDATES & CONVERSATION
UPDATE 2DARLINGTON NAMED IN LAWSUIT > NEW STATEMENT (6.30.17) > "Our community is
deeply saddened by & sorry for the pain that these former students have endured for so long. We received the lawsuit late today. We need to
read it & our attorney will be advising us as to appropriate next steps." - Brent Bell, Head of School > The Investigation Continues, See RECENT
>> STATEMENT HERE - EARLIER >> Alleged Sexual Abuse Claims
from 1980's Re-examined in Ongoing Investigation at Darlington School >> AJC
Floyd Coroner Barry Henderson announced his resignation Friday afternoon (6.30.17) at a media conference downtown but on Thursday after
repeated requests & although RFN was informed by reliable sources why this may be, he would not reveal or confirm the subject. He later
disclosed on Friday that he was ready to slow down & concentrate on his own business & family >> CONVERSATION & UPDATES
FYiFINALLY! Testing on most devices is done! Get UNLIMITED FREE Access to
RNT online content NOW. See 4 easy steps to turn OFF cookies on your PC, phone or tablet's browser >> DETAILS(scroll down for more news >>)
FYiANOTHER Local Media Source Caught in the Act, No it's not RNT this time after they were
caught brazenly altering their jail report to protect a friend & revenue source >> DETAILS, SCREENSHOT & CONVERSATION
UPDATE 2FATAL SHOOTING SUSPECT ARRESTED > Another Fatal Shooting Reported in South
Rome Saturday Night (6.17.17). This comes only 3 days after an earlier double shooting with one fatality just a few blocks away >> DETAILS & ARREST PIC
UPDATEEMS TRANSPORT DRIVER CHARGED > Get NEW details at the following link below.
Floyd Deputy Coroner Gene Proctor confirmed to RFN that before daybreak Friday morning (6.16.17), an MVA rollover involving a Puckett EMS
transport service ambulance from LaFayette has resulted in a fatality. The ambulance hit a tree while inbound on Martha Berry Hwy at Berry
College then rolled over into a pasture fatally injuring an elderly patient in the rear while also injuring, extent unknown, the two transport
techs. Proctor stated that the driver admitted to falling asleep at the wheel >> RNT ( FREE! )
See Thursday afternoon's (6.15.17) storm aftermath images showing fallen trees & downed power lines from several locations around the city &
across the county >> LOCATIONS & PICS
UPDATE 5RCPD SAYS SHOOTING NOT ON BROAD ST > Late Wednesday night (6.15.17), two
shootings, resulting in one fatality, were reported at a south Rome location with a victim collapsing on Broad St. See exclusive pics from BOTH
crime scenes >> NEW DETAILS, UPDATES & PICS
& >> ORIGINAL DETAILS & PICS
>> ENTIRE UN-EDITED PD NARRATIVE REPORT
> The Floyd Coroner has confirmed to RFN that the child has passed away. Get new details at the following link. EARLIER >> Early
Saturday night (6.10.17), EMS, RFD rescue, & RCPD responded to a possible drowning involving a 4 yr old female at a residence on Quail Hollow
Rd in the Saddle Mt area in south Floyd >> ORIGINAL DETAILS & LOCATION PIC
FCPD Arrests Home Invasion Suspect After 4 Hour Lookout for Violent Attack of Elderly Female >> DETAILS
FYi Although the Rome Newspaper will posture & say different, the blade of cheapness has
apparently swung again at the financially troubled (bankrupt) newspaper, according to a job board announcing an available position for the
highly overpaid, exiting Managing Editor & egomaniac, Mike Colombo. More than likely, the Marietta Daily Journal, who bailed RNT out of
bankruptcy & now owns it, is clearing out all the higher paid positions to replace them with lower paid contracts, like they did after their
takeover by forcing all existing employees to sign new contracts in order to continue employment. Then after doing that, they gave the former
owner, Burgett Mooney III, an absurd exit package of $10K per month for 24 months ($240K) as a 'consultant', more like insultant, to basically
teach MDJ how to run RNT into the ground even further. The job post also states, "... We also have a 55-court public tennis center & a
municipal golf course". That comment let's you see RNT's real priorities >> NEWSPAPER JOB BOARD
& click this for the >> CONVERSATION
UPDATE Mr Holt was suddenly released from jail custody days early but the jail's bond
terms had been reduced in amount also involving property(ies). FYi The Rome newspaper REMOVED ALL PICS from their jail report
along with this booking image > Local Business Man & Coosa Valley News Media O&O Arrested with Felony Charge & $10K Cash-only Bond >> DETAILS, CHARGES, ARREST PIC & CONVERSATION
UPDATE The Investigation Continues > DARLINGTON STATEMENT (6.29.17) > Speaking for
the entire Darlington Community, I'm heartbroken by what these former students have shared & have been going through. I'm sorry they've had to
endure this pain for so long. Inappropriate contact by anyone responsible for the care & well-being of our students is not tolerated. The fact
that several former students feel failed by Darlington is difficult but important to know. We're still in the process of learning & we're
continuing to work closely with law enforcement. Ultimately, we want to know the truth. The guiding principles of wisdom, service & honor have
been the fundamental cornerstones of the Darlington mission for more than a century. We're confident Darlington’s current school policies,
focused on respectful boundaries, training, communications & reporting procedures for both students & faculty, create a safe environment for
our students to learn & grow. It's important to us that Darlington continues to be a positive place for students to excel. This focus will
remain a priority. EARLIER >> Alleged Sexual Abuse Claims from 1980's Re-examined in Ongoing Investigation at Darlington School >> AJC
YOUR INDEXED SELECTION IS ABOVE
scroll down for more stories >>
PSA Local Resident & RFN Viewer Publicly Thanks Ga Power & Emergency Crews for Help After
Tree Limb Knocks Out Neighborhood Power >> DETAILS & PIC
UPDATEFBOE Theft Investigation Participant Fatally Injured from Fall in Canyon >
FCPD Asst Chief Mark Wallace has confirmed to RFN that one of the people arrested & being further investigated for involvement in the Floyd BOE
theft case was recently recovered deceased after a fatal fall in Little River Canyon in Cherokee County Alabama. Wallace also stated there is
currently no known indication of anything suspicious but any further details about the death would have to be obtained through the Cherokee
County Coroner. RNT posted a story about the incident but did NOT mention anything about his relation to the FBOE investigation >> RNT ( FREE! )
Another Robbery Reported at Riverbend Shopping Center, This Time in Broad Daylight >> RNT ( FREE! )
UPDATE EMS & RFD responded to the Floyd jail early Monday night & a FCSO official
responded to RFN with the following statement >> DETAILS
Empty Car with Lights & Wipers Still
ON Found in Deep Hwy 101 Ravine Very Early Sunday Morning >> VIDEO, PICS & DETAILS
FYi:ALL RNT articles DIRECTLY on their site are FREE if you turn your PC, phone or tablet's COOKIES COMPLETELY OFF in the device's
browser which is usually found in a browser's settings under the privacy or security headings NEW DETAILS & STEPS
- Don't forget to turn cookies back ON for other sites to work properly. The 4 easy, detailed steps only take 10 secs to do or
see the following workaround how you can access FREE RNT content through RNT's Twitter or Facebook pages! However, for FREE access via RNT's FB
page, you MUST be logged OUT of FB for it to work but if using Twitter, it does not matter if logged IN or OUT, see direct RNT FB & Tw links
below. But why do that to see limited free stories when you can see it ALL for free by disabling your device's cookies as described above?
ESCAPEE CAPTURED - SEE CLOSE-RANGE PICS OF ARREST ALONG WITH UPDATED INFO NOW AT THE FOLLOWING LINK > Around noon on Monday, escaped
inmate, 26 yr old Dustin Earl Cotton, fled on foot from the courthouse in the area of Broad St & 4th Ave downtown. An intense, widespread
multi-agency manhunt was activated that lasted late into Monday night until his capture >> PICTURES & UPDATES
BOLO Injured driver lucky to be alive after rollover hit & run by a U-Haul driver on 27S at
Darlington Dr Saturday afternoon (4.29.17) >> DETAILS & PICS
Early Thursday evening (4.27.17), another shooting was reported. This time it was at a store in Southeast Rome >> DETAILS
See dramatic images of the fireball that consumed a home on Superba Ave early Tuesday morning (4.25.17) >> LOCATION PICS
Late Tuesday afternoon (4.25.17), an MVA with unknown injuries, if any, involving an ambulance with moderate front-end damage had traffic on Shorter Ave
at Williamson St in West Rome slowed in both directions >> LOCATION PICS
BOLO UPDATESUSPECT ARRESTED after especially violent armed robbery early in the
night of 4.21.17 causing significant injuries to the store's female clerk on Martha Berry Blvd near Summerville Park >> UPDATES, DETAILS & PICS
& the >> ORIGINAL DETAILS, PICS & VIDEO
FYiTired of paying for worthless drivel the Rome newspaper calls news? Then don't!
You can easily view UNLIMITED online Rome News Tribune articles completely FREE by turning the COOKIES COMPLETELY OFF in your PC, phone,
or tablet's browser because the technology-ignorant, moronic, snowflake, fake news, buffoons at RNT can't do anything right, not even a paywall.
The browser's cookies are usually found in a browser's settings or options under the PRIVACY and/or SECURITY headings. Check back soon for 4
easy steps for several browsers are posted that only take 15 seconds to turn cookies OFF. Because of RNT's incompetence, publicizing the following
gaping holes in their wall is very fitting considering their recent arrogant & condescending lecture to wall complainers about how "real news
comes with a price tag". Well, not their worthless crap because now, the paywall party is over. If you can't or don't know how to turn
cookies OFF until the steps are posted, you can still see select FREE RNT articles anytime by using the following workaround info which is what
you may have been already doing anyway but just didn't know it. ALL RNT articles are FREE when accessed through RNT's Twitter or Facebook
pages, see links below! However, for FREE access via RNT's FB page, you MUST be logged OUT of FB for it
to work. Check back soon, for all the detailed info about how to easily get UNLIMITED FREE online RNT articles & FREE access to their full
E-edition directly from their site. This should also work on their sister sites like Calhoun, etc in neighboring counties because they
use the same website provider & shoddy software.
Late in the morning of 4.7.17, RFD Battalion Chief Gene Proctor confirmed to RFN that an MVA fatality collision killed 82 yr old John William
Farr on the new connector at Black's Bluff Rd in western Floyd. According to Proctor, the driver of an empty flatbed truck traveling west on
the connector was recording video using a dash-cam DVR that clearly showed that the eldery driver in the van crossed the connector without
slowing or stopping at the marked intersection while heading inbound on Black's Bluff Rd. The truck was unable to stop in time or avoid the van
& directly struck it in the passenger side instantly & fatally injuring its driver >> DETAILS & PICS
Man killed after being hit by train in North Rome >> RNT ( FREE! )
- NOTE > ALL RNT articles directly on their site are FREE if you turn your PC, phone or tablet's COOKIES COMPLETELY OFF in the device's
browser which is usually found in a browser's settings under the privacy or security headings. Don't forget to turn cookies back
ON for other sites to work properly. If you don't know how, check back very soon for 4 easy, detailed steps that only take 10 secs to do
this or see the following workaround. You can also access FREE RNT content through RNT's Twitter or Facebook pages! However, for FREE access
via RNT's FB page, you MUST be logged OUT of FB for it to work.
BOLO UPDATE Cobb PD murder suspect arrested in neighboring county after lookout issued in
southern Floyd >> DETAILS
ShorterU Announces Plans to End Its Wrestling Program >> RSN
City Employee Arrested for Destroying Govt Property >> RNT ( FREE! )
- NOTE > ALL RNT articles directly on their site are FREE if you turn your PC, phone or tablet's COOKIES COMPLETELY OFF in the device's
browser which is usually found in a browser's settings under the privacy or security headings. Don't forget to turn cookies back
ON for other sites to work properly. If you don't know how, check back very soon for 4 easy, detailed steps that only take 10 secs to do
this or see the following workaround. You can also access FREE RNT content through RNT's Twitter or Facebook pages! However, for FREE access
via RNT's FB page, you MUST be logged OUT of FB for it to work.
Arrest warrant issued for Rome High History teacher / Wrestling coach for sexual relationship with minor student >> DETAILS
FCPD has concluded an investigation & charged a Model High student who recently brought a loaded gun with additional rounds to school >> DETAILS
FYiFLOYD 911: On 3.23.17, Berry College had a controlled burn on CCC Rd off Old
Summerville Rd in north Floyd burning 368 acres of sage brush which may produce lingering smoke but there is no danger.
FYE Tim Tebow is scheduled to play some baseball in Rome for 3 days in mid April. Get details
NOW on >> RSN
15 yr RCPD Veteran Arrested for Drug Trafficking & More - Also see additional info about 3 more recently executed warrants for others related
to the officer's arrest >> DETAILS
FYi See the >> CONVERSATION
- Could the end be near for RNT? Well, according to some of the comments recently posted on RNT's, RFN's & other local free-access news
sites' FB pages, the fallout has already begun as viewers openly reject RNT's new paywall that went live the first week of March. The
forced, metered paywall, which means it gives you free access to 5 of their online stories before you have to pay for further access, is
indicative of their print & online subscriptions along with ad revenues falling to dangerously low levels prompting them to end free access
forcing viewers to pay in a desperate attempt to stop the relentless revenue hemorrhaging. But this may be too little too late for the
struggling & formerly bankrupt newspaper. Even though they may increase the number of free sessions to retain viewers, that will not overcome
the number that will not pay & leave.
When the internet was fairly new to the public back in the late 90s & early 2000s, the print industry foolishly dismissed it as a threat
& now they are all paying the price for that arrogance. It also doesn't help that they have systematically employed very technology-ignorant,
out of touch, masters of absolute idiocy & buffoonery, clueless leaders in their highest management positions that just don't get how it all
works with their antiquated mindset still residing in the 1950s & 60s when they were more prominent & safe. Among other late-to-the-game
feature claims, as late as 2012, RNT was bragging about their ability to send news to peoples' phones, yes, in 2012, a full 6 yrs
AFTER RFN was sending mobile text & e-mail alerts. Another important metric they may have overlooked is that the industry standard for the
conversion rate from free to paying subscribers after installing a paywall is typically only 3% of their former free viewer pool which will be
devastating for most small-market newspapers' ability to survive.
Although RNT does have unique content that will prompt some to pay to view it, it won't be near enough to support the entire operation for the
long term. RNT's FB & Tw pages will eventually basically become nothing more than an alert notification platform telling all their
remaining followers when to go to the other local news sites to get details for new & free info. And if those followers don't all evaporate,
look for the reduction in the FB & Tw followers because as noted above, viewers are already frustrated with clicking on links that require them
to pay to get most content they want that's available for free at several other local news sources. In the future, you could also more than
likely expect to see a reduction in daily print deliveries down to 5, 4 or 3 days a week.
FYi Etowah Skate Park on Kingston Hwy Closed for Resurfacing >> RSN
Nigerian & US Educated Health Director Named to Lead Northwest Ga Health District >> DETAILS
FYi Thursday, March 30 is the last day Floyd County Public Works will run regular leaf
pick-up routes with the vacuum trucks in curb & gutter subdivisions. After March 30, all leaves must be bagged & you must contact Floyd County
Public Works at 706.236.2495 to arrange pickup.
BOLO See images & bios for Floyd's 10 Most Wanted Fugitives >> HERE
Rome Tennis Center Director Says Indoor or Covered Courts Needed to Prevent Further Tournament Loss to Competing Centers >> RSN
FYiFLOYD 911 > Early in the morning 2.28.17, water-main damage affected service in
the area of Black's Bluff Rd, Flat Rock, Cunningham Rd, Morton Bend Rd & a portion of Horseleg Creek Rd. The status of the repair was not
immediately known.
FYi Floyd County is the first 911 Center in the nation to implement a new technology
& is excited to announce its capability to assist with locating callers who need response from Police, Fire or EMS >> DETAILS
Registration Underway for Magical March-A-Thon for Kids with Special Needs Event set for early March with Model student & creator Jessica Bryant
saying ... >> RSN
FYi Late in the morning of 2.16.17, Armuchee High School was evacuated due to a burn "smell"
detected in a computer lab in the school. The students & staff evacuated until the source could be determined. The Fire Department responded to
the site & found no fire issue in the building. After the facility was cleared by officials, students returned to class just after 11:10A.
Police Impersonator Attempts Traffic Stop, Gets a Surprise & Then Arrested >> RNT
Coosa Middle Teacher Runs to Fund School's Cross Country Team. See How You Can Help >> RSN
Several Floyd Schools Evacuated on 2.9.17 >> DETAILS
Floyd BOE Named in New Lawsuit with 2 Entities >> DETAILS
FYi Floyd County Health Department Offering Free Flu Shots While Supplies Last >> DETAILS
FYi State to Require License for Crime Scene Clean-up Services >> RNT
FYELocal 61 yr old video blogger, Lanette Greene, known for driving around Rome while
commenting on her life experiences & observations has almost reached one million views for just one of her video posts. Get a direct link to
more details & see the popular video >> HERE
& see backstory info from >> RNT
UPDATERCPD RELEASE: On 1.3.17, RCPD's Criminal Investigation Division received
notification from the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office that human remains recently located in their jurisdiction have been positively
identified as Gary Wayne Fingerle who was reported missing on 11.10.16. At this time, there is no suspicion of foul play pertaining to the
RCPD's investigation.
If you missed it, WSB TV's Glenn Burns seemed to lose his breath at least 3 times while on camera during his weather forecast in the 6P show
on 1.3.17. He then left the set & was heard off camera in a mildly distressed tone saying he was going to have to go to the weather center's
console. A crewmember was then heard calling his name asking if he was ok. WSB's FB & Tw pages immediately lit up with concerned comments from
viewers. Then he did it again on 1.6.17. See the questionable response that WSB provided along with the local conversation about this >> HERE
7 Athletes to be Inducted at Sports Hall of Fame Ceremony & Special Olympics Officials Calling on Medical Community for Help >> RSN
UPDATE 3 Significant Arrest Updates for Recent Crimes & One Death >> DETAILS
UPDATE 2 FCPD Asst. Chief Mark Wallace has confirmed to RFN that the investigation of what
was described by another official earlier as a suspicious shooting death on Rosalyn Dr in mid-October of 2016, continues as the GBI completes
related toxicology tests. Wallace also confirmed that no arrest related to the shooting has been made & that there is currently no person of
interest. EARLIER >> Deputy Coroner Gene Proctor has confirmed to RFN that very early Sunday morning (10.16.16), 23 yr old (soon to be 24)
Terrence Herrington, the son of Floyd EMA director, Tim Herrington, was found deceased with a single gunshot to the head outside of their home
at a Rosalyn Dr address off of Radio Springs Rd. Proctor also confirmed that a gun was recovered from the scene, the scenario was suspicious &
the victim was being transported to the GBI crime lab but he could not disclose any further information. Proctor added that the victim was a
member of the Bartow County Fire Department. FCPD did not have any info to immediately release but is expected to provide additional info in
the future. Check back for updates.
Contested RV Park Finally Approved for 20W at Barker Rd >> RNT
TRAFFIC FYi Wayside Rd Closed Until Further Notice >> DETAILS
Tennis Center Linking to Mall Via Parking Connector & Rome High Head Football Coach to Become Athletics Director for Rome City Schools
>> RSN
UPDATE 3 According to Floyd jail records, the Alma Rd shooting suspect, William Alexander
Navarette, was arrested by Federal Marshalls in the 4200 block of Cave Spring Rd on 1.24.17 after a shooting days earlier in West Rome. He was
charged with Aggravated Assault & Parole Violation. EARLIER >> RCPD has ID'd the shooting suspect as William Alexander Navarette. See 2
pics & more personal ID details in a release >> HERE
- Late in the night of 1.19.17, RCPD, EMS & RFD responded to a shooting in the 100 block of Alma Rd just off Shorter Ave in West Rome. RCPD Investigator, Joe Costolnick, confirmed to RFN that the victim has serious injuries & the suspect is still unknown. Costolnick
also confirmed that shell casings were found near the scene. A Floyd 911 official also confirmed to RFN that neighbors reported
hearing gunshots & the victim was taken to the hospital before emergency crews arrived. Check back for updates. This shooting is only 2
blocks away from a violent stabbing murder on Larkspur Lane back in early December of 2016 & is one of two other shootings in a week, one on
Old Summerville Rd & another on Burnett St in N Rome.
UPDATE 3SEE ARREST IMAGES & FCPD MEDIA RELEASE>> HERE
- Floyd jail records indicate that 18 yr old Brayden James Routledge was arrested for armed robbery on 1.18.17 after an armed robbery
at a store on Kingston Hwy Tuesday afternoon. 17 yr old Jabrious Timion Smith, arrested Tuesday night, was additionally charged by RCPD with
Sudden Snatch after robbing a taxi driver in the city days earlier. Scroll down just a few modules to see the original story with the first
arrest.
UPDATE 2SEE ARREST IMAGE & FCPD MEDIA RELEASE>> HERE
- EARLIER >> Late in the morning of 1.18.17, FCPD arrested at least one person after a shooting in the 700 block of Old Summerville Rd. An F911
official confirmed to RFN that a male victim was reportedly shot in the leg. Police traffic also indicated that several guns were run for
registration info. The reason for the shooting was not immediately available. Check back for updates.
UPDATE GBI Investigation Underway for FCSO Sgt Placed on Administrative Leave >> DETAILS
Local Probation Officer Arrested for Sexual Activity >> RNT
UPDATE 3SEE ARREST IMAGES & FCPD MEDIA RELEASE>> HERE
- Floyd jail records indicate that 18 yr old Brayden James Routledge was arrested for armed robbery on 1.18.17. Tuesday night, FCPD
arrested 17 yr old Jabrious Timion Smith with the charge of Armed Robbery at a store with a gun & was additionally charged by RCPD with Sudden
Snatch after robbing a taxi driver in the city days earlier. See arrest image, charges & what a brilliant RNT reporter did to put
the store's security at future risk at the following link. Late Tuesday afternoon, FCPD responded to an armed robbery at John's Grocery store
in the 3000 block of Kingston Hwy (293). The suspects were described as 3 black males believed to be teens & using a blue Dodge Dakota truck.
There were no injuries reported & it was not immediately known how much if any money or items were taken >> ARREST IMAGE & CHARGES
- Check back for updates.
FYi Police are now warning of a hybrid scam misrepresenting phone & power companies
threatening service interruption if not paid by a money card along with another recent scam about local Jury Duty threatening arrest or a fine
if a person misses jury duty >> DETAILS
UPDATE 2 Fatal Shooting Suspect Arrested on 1.13.17, See Where, How, Backstory, Arrest
Image & Charges >> HERE
UPDATE GBI Investigation Underway for FCSO Sgt Placed on Administrative Leave >> DETAILS
UPDATESince a fire at the start of the new year first reported by RFN (see pics at link),
Ryan's Steakhouse will NOT be re-opening today (Tues) as recently reported by RNT that it would be open. The manager stated to RFN that a last
minute inspection by RFD's fire marshal on Tuesday halted the re-opening which is now expected to be on Monday, if not Friday. This Ryan's
location is only one of three in the state of Ga & its closure has affected around 35 employees. Check back for updates. EARLIER >> Very
early in the morning of 12.31.16, multiple RFD units responded to a smoke-filled Ryan's Steak House on Shorter Ave in West Rome with visible
smoke also flowing from roof vents & a cloud of it carried by the wind across the road into the Sam's & Walmart lots. There were no visible
flames from outside but there was an audible alarm sounding & it was not immediately known if there was anyone inside at the time. An RFD
official stated to RFN that there may be enough smoke & water damage from sprinkler activation to close the restaurant for a while affecting
around 35 employees >> LOCATION PICS
- Check back for updates.
TRAFFIC FYi
FLOYD 911: Many reports of ice on Sunday along with MVAs & sliding cars on numerous roads throughout the county. Get a list of at least 25
affected roads & see dramatic video of several MVAs in ice & snow caught on camera as cable service techs in another city are blamed for
inadequate traffic markers not warning drivers >> HERE
- The 2nd day, 24 calls were taken for MVAs & stranded drivers which is increasing hourly.
Late Thursday afternoon, multiple RFD units responded to a structure fire at a residence on Line St off of S Broad St. According to RFD officials,
there were no people inside but two pet dogs did perish from smoke inhalation after attempts to revive them by RFD crews at the scene. The fire
was out within 20 minutes of RFD's arrival >> LOCATION PICS
FYi Police are warning of recent local Jury Duty scam activity threatening arrest or a fine
if a person misses jury duty >> DETAILS
UPDATE The victim of a violent attack on S Central Ave in Lindale last Tuesday (12.27.16)
is now deceased due to the injuries & the man arrested for the assault has been charged with felony murder & remains in custody at the Floyd
Jail without bond >> DETAILS & BACKSTORY
TRAFFIC UPDATE 3 Blacks Bluff Rd will be closed to all traffic now until further
notice for drainage system reconfiguration >> DETOUR DETAILS
FYi Burnett Ferry Rd Improvements to Start in Early January >> DETAILS
FYi Texas Police Looking for Family of Man Found Deceased with Ties to Rome >> RNT
UPDATESince a fire at the start of the new year, first reported by RFN (see pics at link),
Ryan's Steakhouse will NOT be re-opening today (Tues) as recently reported by RNT that it would be open. The manager stated to RFN that a last
minute inspection by RFD's fire marshal on Tuesday halted the re-opening which is now expected to be on Monday, if not Friday. This Ryan's
location is only one of three in the state of Ga & its closure has affected around 35 employees. Check back for updates. EARLIER >> Very
early in the morning of 12.31.16, multiple RFD units responded to a smoke-filled Ryan's Steak House on Shorter Ave in West Rome with visible
smoke also flowing from roof vents & a cloud of it carried by the wind across the road into the Sam's & Walmart lots. There were no visible
flames from outside but there was an audible alarm sounding & it was not immediately known if there was anyone inside at the time. An RFD
official stated to RFN that there may be enough smoke & water damage from sprinkler activation to close the restaurant for a while affecting
around 35 employees >> LOCATION PICS
- Check back for updates.
BOLO
RCPD needs your help to identify two suspects who were allegedly involved in the assault & robbery of an elderly woman on the lot of the Kroger late in the night of 12.18.16
>> SECURITY VIDEO
- More details in this >> RNT FOLLOW-UP
UPDATE RCPD Investigators Execute Arrest Warrants for 30 yr old Former West Rome
Restaurant Manager, Kelvin Marquez Thomas, After Fire & Missing Money with the following >> CHARGES
- And for more backstory info >> RNT
Painted Pianos Placements Throughout Downtown Planned to Join Big Yellow Flower on Broad St at 5th Ave & Big Wheeled Bikes Down Broad St >> RNT
Former Fox5 Anchor & Soon to be CBS Atlanta Anchor Arrested AGAIN After Several Previous DUI Arrests >> AJC
| Ms Davis Failed to Manually Renew License >> AJC FOLLOW-UP
- Also, WSB reporter Tyisha Fernandes
was arrested for DUI in late November. Former RNT reporter Daniel Bell
was also arrested for a DUI back in March of 2015 along with additional charges of Open Container, No Tag Light & Failure to Maintain
Lane but who can blame him for being driven to that after working for such an oppressive employer like RNT? This activity & much worse
acted out by members of the media across the country is more common than you may think. Check FTVLive.com,
NewsBlues.com &
TvSpy.com daily to see
what's really going on behind the scenes at all levels in the tv news business.
DRAMATIC Embedded Escape from
Massive Gatlinburg Fire (FULL VERSION) >> VIDEO(Occasional Strong Language Advisory)
Comcast Service Techs Prompt Heated
Debate About Their Trucks Blamed for Causing Multiple Dramatic MVAs Caught on Camera on Icy & Snowy Road During Roadside Repair Work.
Who do you think is at fault? - NOTE: The dangerous MVAs are near the end >> VIDEO
UPDATESEE DETAILED UNDERGROUND FUEL TANK RUPTURE>> LOCATION IMAGES
- Early Monday evening, a large fuel leak had the 1800 block of Redmond Cir near the GE plant shut down with detours at Lavender Dr & Mathis Dr
on either side. Rogers Dr was shut down & the shopping center near the Hi-tech fuel station, both between Rogers Dr & Paris Ln, was evacuated.
According to RFD Battalion Chief Phil Litton, there was not an actual significant liquid fuel spill above the ground. A construction crew
accidently ruptured an underground 3000+ gallon tank that caused an underground leak which produced dangerous fumes above the ground. RFD shut
down the immediate area as a precaution because of the flammable fumes. The tank's fuel was then transferred into a tanker truck & the tank was
then filled with water to displace the fumes until it can be repaired.
Early morning on 12.12.16, RCPD responded to an armed robbery at a store in the 1900 block of Maple Ave just before the 27S overpass. An RCPD
official confirmed to RFN that $400 was stolen but it was not immediately known if there were any injuries. Check back for updates.
Rome Couple Delivers Baby in Car on 27N Saturday Afternoon >> RNT FOLLOW-UP
Late afternoon on 12.10.16, FCPD, EMS & RFD responded to a home in the 190 block of Painter Rd off old Dalton Rd in north Floyd after the report
of a 25 yr old female being shot in the hip with a shotgun. 911 traffic indicated that this may have been accidental & the victim was quickly
transported for treatment with injuries that were later described as non-life threatening. Check back for updates.
Rome >SportsNet The Rome Wolves have won the 5-A Ga State Football Championship defeating the Buford Wolves at the Georgia Dome in
Atlanta. Get the final score & all 2016 local high school score archives on the >> RSN SCOREBOARD
UPDATE The countywide burn ban was lifted on 12.8.16 due to all the recent heavy rain.
On 12.8.16, ShorterU's Sports Information Director, Karen Allen, confirmed to Rome SportsNet that Shorter's Athletic Director, Kim Graham, has
been terminated but she could not provide any further details. As of midnight Thursday, Graham's name was still in Shorter's online Athletics
directory but has since been removed. ShorterU's media contact, Dawn Tolbert, indicated to Rome SportsNet that there was no immediate
expectation of public disclosure as to why. Check for updates on >> RSN
UPDATESee page 3 of 12.9.16 for>> ARREST IMAGE
- According to FCPD Assistant Chief Mark Wallace, early Thursday night, FCPD & SWAT responded to a residence in the 700 block of Old Dalton
Rd. Additionally, 911 traffic indicated that EMS & RFD initially responded to that location because of a suicide threat during a heated dispute
involving Tyler Huston Pasley & the report of at least one shot being fired inside the house at that location. Wallace also indicated
that SWAT was called because of that dangerous element & after their tactile entry it was discovered that the subject had left that location &
was later found & taken into custody at a location on Springdale Dr off Lavender Dr in West Rome. Charges for Pasley were Simple Battery
(Family Violence), Terroristic Threats & Acts, 2nd Degree Criminal Damage to Property & Aggravated Assault.
BOLO RCPD Investigators Issue Arrest Warrants for Former West Rome Restaurant Manager After
Fire & Missing Money - Once there, click on Fugitive 2 Bio >> DETAILS
Early on the night of 12.3.16, a fatal stabbing was reported at a home on Larkspur Lane just off Shorter Ave in West Rome. See info from an initial RCPD
release that confirmed the suspect was the victim's son along with several pictures from the scene shortly after police arrived along
with more >> DETAILS & UPDATES
Warrant: Felony warrant 16CW21549 issued by Floyd County, GA (16-5-1 - MURDER; felony murder - Family - Other Weapon); Arrest Date 12/03/2016; Bond - No Bond
Charge: 16-11-106 - POSSESSION OF FIREARM OR KNIFE DURING COMMISSION OF OR ATTEMPT TO COMMIT CERTAIN FELONIES (Cleared by Arrest); Arrest Date 12/03/2016
Charge: 16-5-21 - Aggravated Assault (Cleared by Arrest); Arrest Date 12/03/2016; Bond - No Bond
Charge: 16-5-24 - AGGRAVATED BATTERY (Cleared by Arrest); Arrest Date 12/03/2016
Charge: 16-10-25 - GIVING FALSE NAME, ADDRESS, OR BIRTHDATE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER (Cleared by Arrest); Arrest Date 12/03/2016; Bond - No Bond; Set By Judge Robert Couey, Floyd Magistrate Court
Charge: 16-5-21 - Aggravated Assault (Cleared by Arrest); Arrest Date 12/03/2016; Bond - No Bond; Set By Judge Robert Couey, Floyd Magistrate Court
See dramatic, close proximity video & pictures from a massive fire that destroyed a home on Old Dalton Rd >> PICS & VIDEO
See dramatic pictures & the conversation from current & past area residents that have generated 23K+ views about very low water to almost dried
up Conasauga, Sandy Beach & Tom lakes in Garden Lakes in West Rome >> PICS
FYE Popular History Channel Show 'American Pickers' Casting Locals with Unique Antiques &
Artifacts to Appear on Show >> DETAILS
UPDATE The burn ban was lifted on 12.8.16 EARLIER >> Emergency burn ban approved & immediately enforced for Floyd County. See exceptions &
other >> DETAILS
Get ALL 2016 local high school & college football season scores, schedules & archives NOW >> RSN SCORES & SCHEDULES
TRAFFIC Ongoing Rockmart Hwy (101) Resurfacing 10 Miles from Floyd Into Polk >> CLICK TRAFFIC
Early Monday night (10.31.16), an MVA vs child pedestrian collision was reported at a location on Rollingwood Cir in Garden Lakes in West Rome. Early
reports indicated that there were actually two kids involved with one having what was described by the child's mother as a fractured ankle &
the other only being bruised & not requiring treatment. An RCPD official later stated that only one child was transported to the hospital for
treatment. The young victim's mother later confirmed the injuries of her child on RFN's Facebook page. See the conversation >> HERE
FYi FCPD Charges Man with Rape for Possibly Using Drugs to Subdue Victims & FCPD is Looking
for More Victims >> DETAILS, IMAGE ARREST & CHARGES
City PR Dept (GRCVB) Launches Free Shuttle Service in Downtown >> DETAILS
Rome's skyline had an unusual sight as restoration crews worked from a giant telescoping articulated lift at the city clocktower downtown which
is closed until the work is completed >> 8 PICS
FYi RFPRA Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for 3 New Park Playgrounds >> DETAILS
CALENDARNew Floyd Animal Shelter Opened at 99 North Ave in Dec,
Rockmart Hwy (101) Resurfacing 10 Miles from Floyd Into Polk (click traffic),
Rome Launches Free Shuttle Service Downtown,
Military Vets Can Register DD-214 Discharge Docs Locally (click daily),
FREE Ga Legal Services Program (click monthly)
& Rome Clocktower Closed to Public >> DETAILS
- NOTE: To access this announcements, meetings, events, projects & traffic page anytime if this link is removed, just click on the direct
calendar link in the main menu above.
Tuesday afternoon, due to several large brush fires in the area of 27S rapidly spreading into southern Floyd, 27S was reduced down to one lane
in both directions south of the loop overpass & several other roads like Booger Hollow Rd, Shorthorn Rd & Miller Mt Rd were also shut down. A
few area residents were also evacuated as the flames spread. A suspect described as a middle-aged white male with long hair driving a red
pickup was reported to be seen in the area of the fires & an FCPD official stated that a vehicle was stopped just inside Polk County but no one
was taken into custody >> MORE DETAILS
Deputy Coroner Gene Proctor has confirmed to RFN that very early Sunday morning (10.16.16), 23
yr old (soon to be 24) Terrence Herrington, the son of Floyd EMA director, Tim Herrington, was found deceased with a single gunshot to the head
outside of their home at a Rosalyn Dr address off of Radio Springs Rd. Proctor also confirmed that a gun was recovered from the scene, the
scenario was suspicious & the victim was being transported to the GBI crime lab but he could not disclose any further information. Proctor
added that the victim was a member of the Bartow County Fire Department. FCPD did not have any info to immediately release but is expected to
provide additional info in the future. Check back for updates.
Deputy Coroner Gene Proctor confirmed to RFN that 21 yr old Kahtravious (Tra)
Jermaine Montgomery was shot late Friday night (10.14.16) at an address on Roseway Cir in North Rome. A suspect was not revealed by the vicitim before he
died & has not since been identified or captured. The victim was shot one time in the chest but first responders found him still alive in the front
yard leaned up against a tree. Proctor stated that no weapon caliber could be disclosed because to his knowledge no shell casings were found
but the bullet passed straight through the victim. He was airlifted to Erlanger Medical in Chattanooga for critical care but was later
pronounced deceased at 4:35A Saturday morning. Proctor has ruled this incident as a homicide & the victim has been transported to the GBI crime
lab. RCPD investigators are actively interviewing people for leads & calls have been made to 911 providing possible leads. In an RCPD media
release, anyone with info about this incident is asked to contact Detective Pete Sailors at 706.238.5118 or Lt. Joe Costolnick at 706.238.5122
- Tips can also be left on RCPD's Facebook page or by contacting the anonymous tip line at 706.236.5000. Check back for updates.
>> Fox5 News VIDEO
- RFD Battalion Chief Gene Proctor confirmed to RFN that early Saturday morning (10.15.16), a group home for disabled people at a location on Brook Valley
Ct in W Rome experienced a fire believed to be intentionally set in two different locations in the house. Extensive damage to room furniture &
other items was shown in the Fox5 News report. This comes after another fire was set outside the rear of the house in the pine straw damaging
the vinyl siding around the same time a few weeks earlier. No residents were home during this incident & the investigation continues.
UPDATE 5FCPD MEDIA RELEASE:Charges have been filed on one juvenile involved in
the incident. A completed incident & corrected accident report was released days later. FCPD has also revealed to RFN that the charges
are Felony Vehicular Homicide, Reckless Driving & Violation of a Provisional License. The minor was released to a guardian. This update is in
reference to last Friday's fatal MVA involving a dangerous game known as 'jump the car'. To see the initial backstory, scroll down or click
>> HERE & check back for updates.
FYi City & county neighborhoods are going to see even stronger police visibility in the
very near future. RCPD Assistant Chief Debbie Burnett has confirmed to RFN that RCPD will follow the FCPD & FCSO model of allowing take-home
cars with a rollout scheduled on November 1st. Burnett stated that studies show that fleet cars last longer with an assigned user for various
reasons, including greater personal care & the fact that the car gets less wear & tear because of down time that matches the user's work
schedule instead of continuous back to back shift use. The process is expected to take about 4 yrs to fully implement because of the need for
new cars to expand the program so at first, only veteran officers with at least 5 yrs on the force, which is 55% of the force, will be eligible
to get an assigned car. All participants must also live inside Floyd County with the exception of a few that live in & also provide mutual
assistance with neighboring counties. RCPD currently has 7 open positions for new officers.
UPDATE 4
Deputy Coroner Gene Proctor confirmed to RFN that the teen involved in
the 10.7.16 accident at a location on Bert Rd, off of Old Calhoun Rd, was pronounced deceased around 4A Sunday morning from severe head trauma &
charges may be pending for others involved after details are reviewed by the District Attorney's office. As RFN exclusively first indicated
on Sunday, according to a WSB TV report Monday night, this tragic event was not simply a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle but was
the fatal result of a dangerous game of jumping a moving vehicle as it approaches requiring precise timing, according to the victim's
mother in the >> WSB REPORT
- An attorney claiming to be related to someone involved, contacted 911 on Saturday for information in reference to this incident as well.
Floyd Schools posted the following message late Sunday night, "MHS and PHS mourn the loss of classmate and friend Kobe Thomas. The schools
will have counselors available for students and staff tomorrow" (Monday). EARLIER >> According to a Twitter post by Floyd Schools
Superintendent, John Jackson, a Model teen was seriously injured & was in critical care after being involved in an MVA Friday night. Jackson
posted, "Prayers needed! Kobe Thomas (Model High student). Struck by car Friday night. Was life-flighted to Erlanger". Officials may
release further details on Tuesday. Check back for updates.
TRAFFIC Get Current Traffic Info When Available >> DETAILS
- NOTE: To access this traffic info anytime if this link is removed, just click on the direct calendar link in the main menu above.
GET LINK TO DRAMATIC LOCATION IMAGES BELOW - On the night of 10.5.16, RFN was informed that there was a ride malfunction on the 'Zipper'
at the Coosa Valley Fair requiring the assisted removal of one or more riders from a height of about 25-30 ft. The ages, cause & if there were
any injuries have not been confirmed which is being attempted. When contacted Wednesday night, an RFD official was unaware of the incident &
stated that as far as he knew, there had been no response to the fair related to this incident. A Floyd 911 official also confirmed that no
official call had been taken about the incident. However, there are some dramatic pictures that have been posted on FB showing one of the ride's
pod doors swung wide open with what appears to be the rider or maybe the ride's operator hanging on or climbing its structure along with a
closer side view shot of two people on the structure. The pictures were posted by a person claiming that his son was one of the affected riders
& can be viewed at the link below. A local fair official told RFN on Thursday that any info about this incident would be issued by Wade
Shows, the attraction provider. State ride inspectors were notified to examine the affected ride which was shut down until their arrival.
RFN is only posting the link until or if permission has been granted to share the post or re-post the pictures unlike other local news content
thieves. As of Wednesday night, the post at the following link already had 800 likes, 1000 comments & 2.6K shares >> LOCATION PICS
- Check back for updates.
Early on the night of 10.5.16, CSFD, FCPD & assisting agencies responded to an MVA vehicle collision with a horse & its 15 yr old female rider in the
1200 block of Cunningham Rd in southern Floyd. According to CSFD Chief Randy Lacey, the teen victim was talking & conscious with mild injuries
when first responders arrived & the horse was described as having moderate injuries & on its feet. The condition of the car's driver was not
detailed but the car had significant front-end damage. FCPD is investigating. Check back for updates.
FYiRome Clocktower Closed to Public for Renovations - Construction work to restore
the City of Rome's iconic clocktower is scheduled to start on 10.6.16. The clocktower & the grounds will be closed to the public for the month
of October. To help ensure public safety, the parking lot & sidewalk entrances will be blocked off during construction. For questions on the
clocktower renovations, contact Joe Smith at Rome City Clerk's office at 706.236.4460.
FYi The annual Rome Shriner's parade, that is associated with a local fundraising football
game that raises money for free treatment of critically injured kids nationwide, is known for featuring all kinds of comical sights to
entertain children of all ages. On Saturday afternoon, it traveled through downtown ending at Barron Stadium on W 3rd St. The upcoming game
will feature Model & Coosa & be played at Model on October 28th.
Early on the night of 9.22.16, an FCPD unit was involved in a collision with an EMS unit on
27N at Armuchee High School. The seriously injured officer was airlifted for critical care from the scene & was later identified as 2 yr
veteran, Brandon Broome. The extent of injuries, if any, for the EMS crew was not immediately known. According to a GSP official, both
vehicles were headed north with the FCPD unit in the right lane a short distance ahead of the EMS unit which was in the left lane. It is
believed that the officer attempted a quick u-turn to pursue a vehicle in the opposite direction at which time the FCPD unit was struck by the
ambulance. Speculative evidence, such as skid marks still visible from the ambulance, indicate that there may have been some distance
between the vehicles before the impact & the FCPD officer may have not seen the ambulance because of a blind spot or may have just misjudged
the closing distance. Check back for updates.
BOLO
RCPD needs your help to identify an armed robbery suspect that robbed the Little Caesar's restaurant location on Shorter Ave in W Rome on the
night of on 9.19.16. The store's security video briefly shows the suspect's face before he covers it just before rushing into the store >> PICS & VIDEO
Early afternoon on 9.19.16, RFD crews responded to a second hillside shrubbery fire at the same location since another fire closer to the entrance
in the middle of last week at Midtown Crossing facing Shorter Ave. The cause was not exactly known but was possibly from a discarded cigarette
& recent dry weather helping to spread the flames >> 9 LOCATION PICS
Early afternoon on 9.18.16, a large tree in a front yard fell on power lines on Horseleg Creek Rd just south of Winding Rd. 200+ residents in
several neighborhoods were without power for about 3.5 hrs. See a location picture of the tree resting on the lines >> HERE
TRAFFIC FYi The new full-strength Everett Springs Rd bridge in extreme north Floyd is now open to
all traffic & emergency vehicles. The approaches on both sides are expected to be paved in the next week or two. Scroll down a few posts to see
the backstory about concerns of heavy emergency vehicles not being able to safely cross to reach locations north of the bridge since it washed
out months ago >> RECENT LOCATION PIC
In the afternoon of 9.3.16, RFD Battalion Chief & Deputy Coroner Gene Proctor confirmed to RFN that 19 yr old Colton Rood, of a Norman Lane address in
Berry Forest, was a victim in a fatal motorcycle vs car collision in the 1300 block of Floyd Springs Rd in Armuchee. Proctor stated that
witnesses said that Rood was traveling normally on Floyd Springs Rd when a Toyota Camry driven by 58 yr old Tonita Jo Rudd of Kennesaw
reportedly made a left turn from the road into the path of the motorcycle. The victim was later pronounced deceased at a local hospital with
severe head & chest trauma. Proctor also confirmed that FCPD arrested & charged the car's driver with 2nd Degree Misdemeanor Vehicular Homicide
& Failure to Yield While Turning Left. The deceased victim will be transferred to the GBI crime lab for further investigation because of the
associated charges. Check back for updates.
In the late morning of 9.2.16, RFD Battalion Chief Gene Proctor confirmed to RFN that several RFD units responded to the Popeye's restaurant on Shorter
Ave across from Gala center in West Rome after a fire was discovered by an employee in a storage room estimated to be 6' by 4' in dimension.
After the store's manager also attempted to inspect the fire by opening the door, he was quickly overwhelmed with the growing flames & evacuated
the building of all people inside. Proctor stated that upon arrival, first responders saw flames & heavy smoke pouring from external doors.
There were no known injuries but the building had extensive damage & by his estimation may be closed for weeks or a few months for repairs.
Proctor added that the fire's cause has not yet been determined & is actively being investigated but security video is being reviewed & may
provide clues as to how this happened. Check back for updates.
Floyd Prison Inmate Work Crew Supervisor Arrested for Providing Items to Inmates >> RNT
A missing 2 yr old female at a Cedar Creek campsite was found on the night of 8.27.16 after an intense search for the missing girl had emergency crews &
campers on-edge for almost an hour. Get full details, updates & see the ongoing conversation >> HERE
Local Paralympic Athlete Gets Pep Rally at Johnson Elementary School for Trip to Rio Games. Get
links to a VIDEO report & local info on >> RSN
UPDATE 3 See in-store pics from the last weekend of operation showing a 98% empty
showroom floor. The Rome K-mart store's final day of operation was on 8.7.16 but RFN managed to get a few shots of the vast & empty
showroom floor a couple of days before the final day after most of the inventory was sold or removed. Also,
see a compelling Rome K-mart farewell video that has picked up thousands of views looking back in time as store #4719's operations came to an
end. The video montage features snapshots of employees captured at work in the store along with awards ceremonies, holidays, birthday parties &
more from what appears to be as far back as the 1980's. So take a look to see if you recognize any familiar faces recently & long ago >> PICS & RECENT VIDEO
UPDATE 3 See detailed construction images of the temporary bridge & the surrounding
area that is holding up the replacement on Everett Springs Rd preventing the guaranteed safe crossing of emergency vehicles exceeding that
amount after RFN's earlier sole coverage of an MVA requiring assistance from agencies on the other side prompted area residents, other local news
sources & local government officials to react & comment. Earlier, an RFD official explained backup plans for emergency services north of that
low weight capacity bridge preventing heavy RFD & EMS vehicles to safely cross & Floyd Public Works Director explains its repair delays since
the 8.6.16 motorcycle MVA on Everett Springs Rd near the Pocket prompting concerns about future emergency service responses north of the bridge
as well >> PICS & DETAILS
UPDATE 3
A Judicial Qualifications Commission complaint letter recalls local judge's questionable behavior in a courtroom as he engaged a mouthy
inmate in a heated debate filled with extreme profanity back in June of 2016. This incident made news around the world after an accused Floyd
jail murderer threatened to kill the judge's family & more. A NEW video produced by a comedy team re-enacts the ENTIRE transcript as if
you had actually been there listening to the conversation (EXPLICIT LANGUAGE)>> VIDEO, COMPLAINT LETTER & TRANSCRIPT
FYi Get info about local announcements, events, meetings & projects >> DETAILS
- NOTE: To access this meetings, events & projects page anytime after this link is removed, just click on the new calendar link
in the main menu above.
BOLO FCPD Issues Lookout for Missing Floyd Man Whose Car Was Found Unattended at Alabama Park
>> PICS & DETAILS
UPDATEFired former Floyd deputy, then 39, Jerry Duke pled guilty to a stalking charge of a then 17 yr old girl on 7.8.16 - 1 of 4 counts with 3 others
dismissed. See all the NEW details along with the entire dramatic backstory >> HERE
- OVERVIEW: View the entire FCSO internal investigation interview video & see the 4.5 page personal statement written by Jerry Duke from
the FCSO's internal investigation. Duke was denied bond at a hearing held before a superior court judge on 6.2.14 & spent several months in
an Atlanta jail. The teen girl's mother slammed the 39 yr old jailed former deputy in Facebook private messages after he pled with her to not
report him. See all that along with the text message marathon between the man & the teen girl who was only a few years older than the man's
own teen daughter(s). The fired former Floyd deputy was arrested for felony aggravated stalking & a misdemeanor charge in violation of a restraining
order against him & it was noted in court that Duke had provided a cellphone to the young girl for secret communications between them. Also,
see RFN details about his suspension & eventual termination from the FCSO for multiple policy violations including a love triangle with a
female FCPD cadet & a physical confrontation with another male cadet while he was still married >> DETAILS
Young Entangled Bald Eagle Saved by Boaters on Local River >> RNT
RCPD Assistant Chief Debbie Burnett confirmed to RFN that late Tuesday afternoon, veteran RCPD motorcycle unit officer, Mike Simmons, was in a
collision with another vehicle at the loop while traveling south on Martha Berry Blvd while responding to an MVA with injuries on 2nd Ave. He
had just left the scene of an earlier MVA involving a log truck rollover that spilled its load on 27N at Berry's main entrance. Burnett said
that from what is initially known, the injured officer was running with lights, siren & a high visibility yellow traffic vest & was struck by a
vehicle that apparently had the green light traveling east on the loop colliding with the officer's right side, breaking his leg & possibly
some ribs. The officer was transported for treatment to a nearby hospital where he was scheduled for surgery. GSP is investigating the scene.
In a media release, RCPD Lt Chris Dehart said, "I would like to thank the community on behalf of the officer, his family & the Department
for the support that has been provided". The condition of the other driver was not immediately available. A late night update from an RCPD
official on Tuesday indicated that the injured officer's surgery went well & that the recovery process had begun. Check back for updates.
FYi Decades-Old Anonymous Class Ring Found Partially Buried in W Rome Yard & Finder Looking
for Owner >> RNT
UPDATE See >> RECENT IN-STORE PRODUCT REDUCTION IMAGES
- Rome's K-mart store is scheduled to close sometime in August. A recent visit to the store showed empty shelves from a significant
reduction in stock with most inventory located toward the center of the building all the way to the rear as seen in the associated images. Most
of the fresh food department has been totally dismantled with only non-perishable items remaining. Employees were seen re-adjusting items on
shelves to remove gaps as the amount of products reduces. There were also huge price discounts in most departments.
EARLIER >> Rome's K-mart store will be closing affecting around 100 employees. Mike Barger, Rome's K-mart manager of 20 yrs, confirmed
to RFN that the K-mart store on Hicks Dr in E Rome will shut down but he could not confirm the exact date & the corporate media contact was not
immediately available to comment. However, RFN was informed by another source that this closure may happen at the beginning of August. This
comes only a few weeks after Rome's Sears store shut down at its mall location with Sears being a holding property of the K-mart Corporation.
Barger could not comment further as to whether the recent Rome Sears closure was connected with the pending Rome K-mart closure.
UPDATE
RCPD Arrests & Charges Woman for Taking Items from Purses in Local Stores & Using Victims' Credit Cards >> DETAILS & VIDEO
UPDATE FCPD Lt Dan Pendley confirmed to RFN that FCPD arrested 20 yr old Cody Thorneberry
early Wednesday afternoon & charged him with felony involuntary manslaughter, misdemeanor pointing a pistol at another & misdemeanor reckless
conduct after the accidental shooting death of a male at a Bell's Ferry Rd address just weeks ago. EARLIER >> Deputy Coroner Gene Proctor confirmed
to RFN that the 20 yr old shooting victim from Thursday evening died early Sunday morning from a fatal gunshot injury to the head area after
being accidentally shot by a longtime friend. Although considered an accident, the victim's injuries will be investigated by the GBI crime lab
for an final report. MEDIA RELEASE: FCPD is investigating a shooting in the Bell's Ferry Rd community that sent one man to the hospital
in critical condition. No arrest has been made but investigators are actively reviewing evidence. Floyd 911 received a call from 1249 Bell's
Ferry Rd shortly after 5P on 6.2.16 regarding a man being shot. FCPD & rescue personnel responded & found Owen Hicks unconscious in a bedroom.
He was transported to FMC a short time later. The shooting appears to be accidental on the surface. Hicks & his friend Cody Thorneberry were
alone at the time the weapon was fired. Investigators don’t believe the incident was the result of foul play.
Are there really alligators in Rome or Floyd? Well, not recently but a 4 ft baby gator was captured years ago in a backyard creek on
Chulio Rd in East Floyd. See the entire exclusive RFN capture video. This is only viewable on a PC & if it is no longer visible here, it's
always available in the video archives at the menu link above >> VIDEO
What's this, the absurdly biased & aloof RNT actually criticizing other news sources for being suckers? Instead of doing that, maybe they
should do what RFN did & recap the fact that it is possible for an alligator to exist in Rome / Floyd waterways as shown in RFN's video above.
Yep, RNT covered that alligator story too (see RNT still shooter in video) but amid all their brilliance forgot about it. So instead they did
the following by posting a note about a 'non-story' on their FB page. RNT, "Someone from Rome has posted a picture on Facebook of an
alligator he allegedly spotted on the Coosa River in Rome. It's bogus. You can do a reverse picture lookup on Google. The picture he posted was
taken years ago at an alligator farm in Alabama. That, however, didn't keep some news outlets from doing a story."
FYi
RCPD wants to remind everyone the summer months are here, but unfortunately along with the warm weather comes an increase in crimes. Ladies
make sure you do not leave your pocket books unattended or opened when shopping & be mindful of your surroundings. Make sure you lock your car
door & do not leave valuables in plain view. If you have an animal do not leave them in an unattended car. Have a great summer & stay safe. If
you have any questions or concerns, you can contact RCPD at 706.238.5111 - See security video & an ongoing conversation involving a recent
alleged theft from a purse in a local store>> HERE
Around midnight Friday morning, an RCPD DUI Task Force officer stopped a driver & performed a field sobriety test while assisting units secured
the scene resulting in the driver being arrested for an alleged DUI & driving with a revoked or suspended license that ended on a store's lot at
5 points downtown after the car struck an object. An RFD unit also responded as a precaution because the car almost struck some fuel vent pipes
but was stopped by metal guards as seen in eight pictures from the scene. No injuries were reported - See location pictures of the actual
arrest & get a link to the driver's arrest image & details>> HERE
Yard Sale Vendors Needed to Benefit Clocktower Renovations >> DETAILS
Deputy Coroner Gene Proctor confirmed to RFN that the deceased person found in the Coosa River in early June has been positively identified
as 63 yr old George Regula. Proctor said that the man was identified by dental records held in Orange, California where he was originally
from & that his death would be considered an intentional self-drowning. Mr Regula was reported missing back in February of this year after his
truck was found in a parking lot near the 5th Ave Oostanaula River bridge along with a note & text messages that were sent prior to his disappearance.
Early afternoon on 6.12.16, RFD's marine unit, EMS, RCPD & DNR were at the boat ramp behind the levee at Heritage Park recovering a body that was
found by a fisherman at a location downstream between the ramp & the Horseleg Creek outlet. An RFD official at the scene could not initially
verify the race, gender or estimated age because the victim was described as being in the water for a while but Deputy Coroner Gene Proctor
later confirmed to RFN that the victim appeared to be a male because of pelvic anatomy, about 5' 8" tall & may have been in the water for as
long as 4 months. The victim had remnants of clothing described as jeans, a t-shirt & boots. The recovery effort was delayed because of an
afternoon storm but was successful a short time later. The victim will be sent to the GBI crime lab for further investigation. Check back for
updates.
According to jail records, as of 6.12.16, all 10 BOE arrestees were released. An FBOE official indicates no BOE buildings or properties
were secured as a precaution the day of the arrests & there is no elevated concern for any summer staff. See raw arrest booking images, alleged
theft amounts, bonds, charges & why they are all apparently 'wearing' black as well as an FCPD evidence video at the following link. The arrests
of at least ten former Floyd Board of Education employees were executed on Thursday. Also see a statement issued from the BOE below the arrest
listings >> CHARGES, IMAGES, VIDEO & COMPLETE BACKSTORY
- See the ongoing conversation>> HERE
RCPD Pulls FB Post & Advises Threats to Stop: You may have noticed that the >> RCPD Facebook
post about alleged money skimming or misrepresentation by a man allegedly posing as a veteran and/or asking for donations for veterans at local
business locations was removed from the RCPD FB page that produced 25K+ views & 150+ heated comments. RCPD Investigator Corey Bowers has informed
RFN that the info was pulled because personal threats were made toward the man & his family because of those allegations & he is actively tracking
& contacting those that have made threats. Bowers also stated that, "We are currently working on finding where the money is going. From the
witnesses & family members it is not going towards veterans. He has used forged documentation to show his credentials". There is also a
Youtube video with 91K+ views with the tag >> 'stolen valor'
showing a veteran confronting the suspect at a store. It is unknown if any charges have been or will be filed against those threatening the man
& his family but Bowers advises those affected or displeased to not make personal threats to the suspect or his family. Check back for upates &
See the ongoing conversation>> HERE
A local Pepperell SADD group has
produced a compelling video about the potentially fatal dangers of texting & driving with a detailed scenario at Model's stadium featuring a
two-car collision, local police, RFD & EMS arrival, a real medical helo landing, a distraught mother, injured teen victims, a deceased teen
victim with extraction & an arrest. If nothing else can get a teen's attention away from their phone, tablet or gaming system, this video
just may do it >> VIDEO(posted with permission)
FYi WHOOO LET THE COWS OUT? MEDIA RELEASE: Floyd 911 is requesting that all owners of livestock in Floyd
County contact 911 to ensure that we are able to quickly contact you in the event that there is an emergency involving your livestock. In 2016
we have received 210 calls to 911 regarding livestock at large. When we receive these calls, police are dispatched due to the inherent traffic
safety issues, however these incidents are quickly resolved when we know to whom the animals belong and are able to make contact with the owner
or caretaker. Problems arise when we are unable to identify the owner. Officers can stay on scene for hours going door-to-door in an attempt to
locate an owner or someone who knows the owner, and 911 can spend hours making multiple phone calls to potential owners in an attempt to find
someone to take control of the animals.
If you own livestock in Floyd County, we ask that you either call or e-mail us and provide the types of livestock you own, where they are
located, and good contact information should an emergency arise. You can e-mail us at 911adminclerk@floydcountyga.org or call us during business
hours at 706.236.4543
New Tennis Center Director & Existing Service Discuss Management Issues & Conflicts >> RSN
Deputy Coroner Gene Proctor has confirmed to RFN that the 20 yr old shooting victim from Thursday evening died early Sunday morning from a
fatal gunshot injury to the head area after being accidentally shot by a longtime friend. Although considered an accident, the victim's injuries
will be investigated by the GBI crime lab for an final report. MEDIA RELEASE: FCPD is investigating a shooting in the Bell's Ferry Rd
community that sent one man to the hospital in critical condition. No arrest has been made but investigators are actively reviewing evidence.
Floyd 911 received a call from 1249 Bell's Ferry Rd shortly after 5P on 6.2.16 regarding a man being shot. FCPD & rescue personnel responded &
found Owen Hicks unconscious in a bedroom. He was transported to FMC a short time later. The shooting appears to be accidental on the surface.
Hicks & his friend Cody Thorneberry were alone at the time the weapon was fired. Investigators don’t believe the incident was the result of
foul play. NOTE: RNT had a picture from the scene when it happened & held off from posting it along with the knowledge of it for more
than FIVE hours, holding it from you like they hold alot of info on a regular basis in order to sell papers the next day. But RNT was forced to
post the info earlier than they wanted to because of the media release issued by FCPD exposing it to all other media sources.
FYi Floyd Schools Transfer Deadline is June 21st >> DETAILS
Early in the evening on 5.30.16, Deputy Coroner Gene Proctor confirmed to RFN that RCPD investigators were investigating the discovery of a
deceased 26 yr old female identified as Marika Marie Nelson found face down & covered by a sleeping bag in the back seat of a silver Ford Taurus
at Heritage Park behind the levee off of 2nd Ave. Proctor also stated that the victim may have been deceased for at least 36 hours & that there
did not seem to be any immediate obvious suspicious physical evidence for the cause of death but the amount of tissue breakdown compared to the
discovery time changed the investigation status to suspicious. The victim will be sent to the GBI crime lab for further detailed investigation.
Check back for updates.
BOLO UPDATE 20 yr Old Male Arrested in Pennsylvania for Sexual Contact with Missing Floyd
Female Teen After Internet Interaction >> Lebanon, PA Daily News
FYiHEALTH ALERT: First Sexually Transmitted Zika Case Confirmed In Georgia >> DETAILS
Memorial Tree Planted Honoring Glenwood Teachers in Fatal MVA >> DETAILS & VIDEO
Darlington to Install Solar Panel Farm at Location on Cave Spring Rd >> DETAILS
FYi Don't rely on hit & miss speculations in rambling commentary from self-appointed
so-called 'experts'. Get updated final results for ALL local elections & sites directly from the source >> HERE
TRAFFIC FYi Old River Rd near the boat ramp in Coosa has re-opened to traffic with a gravel
covering & final finishing work to last over the next week or two. During the repair, a 15 ft deep excavation of a 100+ ft section revealed
more possible undermining after flooding months ago.
BOLORCPD MEDIA RELEASE: On Friday May 13, 2016 at approximately 7:30P, a female employee
of Lowe's, located at 2338 Shorter Ave in West Rome, was sprayed with pepper spray & strangled unconscious by an unknown assailant in the parking
lot at that location. We are seeking the community's assistance with identifying the attacker. The only information that we have been able to
ascertain at this time, from the victim & witnesses that were present at the time of assault, is that the unknown suspect is a middle aged
white male that left the incident location in a late 90's or early 2000's black Ford F150 extended cab truck, traveling west bound on Shorter
Ave toward Alabama.
If anyone witnessed this incident or has information concerning this unwarranted act of violence, please contact Investigator Ryan Hutchins by
phone at 706.238.5127 or via email at rhutchins@romepolice.com
RFD Battalion Chief Gene Proctor has confirmed that the victim has died & earlier, provided RFN with more details from the 5.15.16 early morning
apartment fire along with a special note that may touch your heart. Upon arrival, RFD crews discovered a male victim that had collapsed in the
hallway with no signs of life but after performing CPR on the scene, he was revived & later transported to Austell, Ga for treatment of severe
burns to his head either from actual flames or superheated gasses in the confined space. Proctor indicated that heavy damage was concentrated
in the bed of the victim who was able to escape into the hall before collapsing. Three other occupied apartments were evacuated with no other
tenants affected. It should also be noted that a very concerned family member that could not afford to travel to the burn center in Austell was
financially assisted by an internal voluntary fund collected & maintained by the firefighters for situations just like this. EARLIER >> Very early Sunday morning, multiple RFD units, EMS & RCPD
responded to a structure fire in an apartment complex on Maple Ave with at least one person transported for treatment >> DETAILS & IMAGES
Early afternoon on 5.16.16, RFD, EMS & RCPD responded to a bus fire at a location on West 10th St, just off N 5th Ave, after a city bus caught
on fire causing extensive damage. The cause of the fire or if there were any injuries were not immediately known. Check back for updates.
SEE UNIQUE REAR VIEW ELEVATED CONSTRUCTION IMAGES Along with Info About the New Tennis
Center's Management Team >> RSN
EXCLUSIVE UPDATE 2 GBI Report Reveals True Nature of Recent Floyd Board of Education
Seizure of Former Pepperell High Principal's Work PC & Phone Citing Suspected "Child Pornography" >> DETAILS & EVIDENCE PICS
UPDATEMEDIA RELEASE: The FCSO is requesting Floyd Coroner Barry Henderson to
conduct a Coroner's Inquest into the 1.28.16 death of inmate Ashley Louise McEarchern at the Floyd Jail. The GBI had been asked by the sheriff's
office to look into the circumstances of Ms. McEarchern's death as is standard procedure in such events & an autopsy was conducted as a result.
According to Chief Deputy Tom Caldwell, the results of the autopsy were reported by the GBI & the cause of death was reported as acute
methamphetamine toxicity with the manner of death being accidental.
“With Ms. McEarchern being in jail only 48 hours prior to her death, we are asking for the inquest in the hope the coroner can help us better
determine at what point methamphetamine was ingested & also what the contents of her stomach may have shown at the time of her death” stated
Chief Deputy Caldwell.
Ms. McEarchern died shortly after being incarcerated for Probation Violation & driving on suspended license on 1.26.16.
BACKSTORY >> Floyd Jail Inmate Found Deceased - MEDIA RELEASE: Authorities at the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office say a female inmate was
found deceased Thursday of natural causes. 30 yr old Ashley Louise McEarchern was found deceased in her cell by jail staff at 7:40A during
breakfast. No foul play is suspected. “As prescribed practice in matters of in-custody deaths,” stated Deputy Carrie Edge, FCSO PIO, “the GBI
was contacted immediately by Sheriff Burkhalter at 8:30A. Subsequently, next of kin was notified at 9A.” McEarchen had been in the custody of
the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office since January 25th on a misdemeanor probation violation.
FYi Rome's K-mart store will be closing affecting around 100 employees. Mike Barger, Rome's
K-mart manager of 20 yrs, confirmed to RFN that the K-mart store on Hicks Dr in E Rome will shut down but he could not confirm the exact date &
the corporate media contact was not immediately available to comment. However, RFN was informed by another source that this closure may happen
at the beginning of August. This comes only a few weeks after Rome's Sears store shut down at its mall location with Sears being a holding
property of the K-mart Corporation. Barger could not comment further as to whether the recent Rome Sears closure was connected with the pending
Rome K-mart closure. See the ongoing conversation>> HERE
FYE See pictures of a few zebras & 15-20 buffalo along with info about other exotic
animals recently spotted in Floyd County pastures & get details on both locations>> IMAGES & DETAILS
The Floyd Jail Has Confirmed Another Inmate Death >> DETAILS
BOLO FCPD has confirmed that the 29 yr old man found lying on the side of the road with
head & lower body trauma just south of the Maple St overpass early on the morning of 4.22.16 has died from his injuries. The deputy coroner
also confirmed a significant amount of alcohol was detected in the man's system. Police are still actively searching for the cause but are
looking at the possibility of a hit & run which could involve a variety of charges depending on what is concluded >> BACKSTORY
Heated Exchanges & Several Arrested at Supremacy Event Downtown >> DETAILS & PICS
SCROLL UP FOR MORE STORIES >>
Another inmate death has been reported at the Floyd County Jail. MEDIA RELEASE: Theodore JePaul Barnett, an inmate of the Floyd County
Sheriff's Office, was found unresponsive Wednesday afternoon in his cell by jail staff. Barnett was transported to FMC where he was pronounced
dead.
“At the request of Sheriff Burkhalter the GBI is conducting a thorough inquiry into the matter,” stated Deputy Carrie Edge, PIO. “Based on jail
reports, it appears to be a suicide, however, the GBI & coroner will make the final conclusion as to the cause of death.”
Barnett, who led FCPD on a 20 mile chase on 4.21.16, was booked on charges of five felony counts of obstruction of an officer, felony
possession of cocaine, criminal attempt to commit a felony, aggravated assault on an officer in performance of duties & false imprisonment,
first-degree burglary, two counts of interference with government property, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer & fleeing or
attempting to elude a police officer for a felony offense, possession of drug-related objects, failure to stop at a railroad crossing, driving
too fast for conditions, five counts of speeding, two counts of failure to obey a traffic control device, two counts of reckless driving,
driving under the influence of multiple substances, two counts of driving on the wrong side of the road, four counts of passing in a no-passing
zone, failure to maintain lane, driving on divided highways & a safety belt violation.
YOUR INDEXED SELECTION IS ABOVE
scroll down for more stories >>
FYi If you were in the West Rome area or any other proximal area that could have gotten
resonated sound from several explosions on 4.20.16, it was the Floyd bomb unit conducting a detonation exercise. Apparently, there was no early
warning sent out & 911 took many calls about it. But as always, Mr Hometown Headlines, the 'go-to' source for news like this, was all over it
taking "numerous calls & texts" about it at his world headquarters newsroom putting all his copy & paste iToys to work because we all know how
closely he follows this kind of low level news when taking a break from his endless "affluent" press releases from ripped off content, sponsors
& friends. It's a wonder the traffic to view such 'enterprise' reporting did not crash his hosting provider's servers as he claimed months ago.
What an absolute egomaniacal, hypocritical joke that guy is.
FCPD MEDIA RELEASE: A teacher at Pepperell Middle School was arrested for misconduct with a student following an investigation that
showed he was using social media to message obscene pictures to students. School officials received information about possible inappropriate
contact between a teacher & a student on Monday & contacted FCPD. Investigators subsequently discovered that 28 yr old Anthony Hicks of Rome
was using social media & text messages to communicate with a student under the age of 16. As a result of the investigation, arrest warrants
were issued for Mr. Hicks. The teacher is charged with Child Molestation, Sexual Assault by a Teacher, Obscene Internet Contact with a Child,
Possession of material Depicting a Minor in Sexually Explicit Conduct & Electronically Furnishing Obscene Material to a Child. Anyone with
further information should contact Investigator Misty Garrett at 706.314.0916.
Floyd Republican Official Resigns Amid Undisclosed "Allegations" >> RNT
UPDATE Former Floyd Sheriff's Deputy indicted after earlier arrest >> BACKSTORY
Another Floyd Jail Inmate Dies in Custody, This Time Hours Later in a Hospital >> DETAILS
TRAFFIC FYi>> LOCATION IMAGEOld River Rd off 20W in Coosa could remain closed into mid May for extensive repairs to a 100+ ft section of collapsed road since recent
flooding just west of the boat ramp. The project is expected to cost nearly $10K to complete. Access to & from the west side of Old River Rd
can be made from Looney Rd further west on Hwy 20W.
RECENT Local Police Dogs Get Protective Vests >> RNT
SCROLL UP FOR MORE STORIES >>
FCSO MEDIA RELEASE: Tommy Lamar Winston, an inmate at the Floyd County Jail, was pronounced dead at a local hospital Monday at 5A.
On Friday, April 1 just before 9P, Winston was seen by jail medical staff. At that time it was determined that Winston should be sent to the
hospital. Winston was immediately transported where he was admitted to the Cardiac Care Unit for treatment of congestive heart failure.
After 3 days of treatment, Winston died. Deputy Coroner Gene Proctor has confirmed that Winston’s death was a result of natural causes
attributable to “classic congestive heart failure”. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the state agency which investigates in-custody
deaths, has determined that an autopsy is not necessary. Proctor has been authorized by the GBI to release Winston’s body to the family.
Tommy Winston had been in the custody of the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office since Wednesday, March 16 on a felony probation violation for
possession of cocaine.
YOUR INDEXED SELECTION IS ABOVE
scroll down for more stories >>
FYi Due to construction repair work at Rome City Hall, the front entrance of the building
was not accessible on Thursday & Friday while construction crews installed scaffolding in order to begin repair work on the cornice of the
building. Access through the front entrance will be available again on Monday but the scaffolding will remain in place until the cornice repair
work is completed which is estimated to take about 10 weeks.
>> ARREST IMAGE & CHARGES
- See location images at the link below. Early evening on 3.23.16, FCPD, FCSO, GSP, EMS & RFD responded to a reported accidental shooting
involving a 23 yr old female victim in the 500 block of Elliot Dr in West Rome. First responders confirmed an entry & exit wound in her abdomen
that was treated at the scene before she was transported to a local hospital which was put on trauma alert. An FCPD official confirmed to RFN
that a female victim, identified as Shambria Sams, was sitting in the driver's seat of a gold 1997 Nissan Maxima with a passenger in the rear
directly behind her, identified as 25 yr old Devon Lavan McDougald of Cedartown, who is a convicted felon & was arrested at the scene & held
without bond, see link above. According to radio traffic, before first responders arrived, the details changed several times. At first she was
thought to be shot by someone but the shooter was not there, then she was described as being alone & it was thought to be self-inflicted but
the following was later discovered. As the car came to a stop in the driveway, McDougald was handling a .38 caliber gun & Sams was allegedly
accidently shot with the bullet passing through the seat & into the right back passing through & out of the lower right front abdomen of Sams &
into the floorboard where it was recovered by police. No illegal items were found at the scene or inside the car. The victim is in stable
condition since surgery. A second passenger in the front seat claimed to have not actually seen the shooting but just heard the shot & reacted.
The shooting is still considered accidental while police investigate but additional charges have not been ruled out. See location images >> HERE
Floyd 911 Selected as 2016 Georgia 911 Center of the Year >> DETAILS
RFD Battalion Chief Gene Proctor confirmed to RFN that the body of the missing 22 yr old male that reportedly jumped from the Etowah River
bridge at the soccer fields on the loop in late February was discovered by a fisherman around noon on Tuesday. Proctor & his crew recovered the
body near the backside of a location on Callier Springs Rd about two miles downstream from the bridge. An elderly male in his early to mid 70's
that supposedly jumped from the 5th Ave bridge downtown recently after leaving a note & his vehicle in a nearby lot. Proctor said high, swift
water from recent storms makes searches more difficult >> WSB TV VIDEO
- See a pic & other personal info about the elderly male>> HERE
- Check back for updates.
According to RNT, longtime Floyd County Commissioner Garry Fricks will not run again to retain his position on the commission which is being
sought by another former city official.
All Floyd Schools employees recently received information in an e-mail outlining a board policy being developed to address the process used by
the system in case of dismissal of personnel. Additional information not initially included was added under the heading FDA - Fair Dismissal
Act Questions >> DETAILS
After the recent death of a Floyd County Jail inmate within 30 days of another previous death & yet another months earlier, several comments
were made on a few local news platforms about alleged health & failing structural conditions at the jail which are all unrelated to the deaths.
But since none of those other news sources bothered to check into the comments, RFN asked Chief Deputy Tom Caldwell about some of the claims
made by the posters. The topics included claims about the supposed re-use of personal razors, the presence of black mold & structural
degradation.
The first question was about alleged presence of black mold that could be a potential health hazard. Caldwell responded with, "we have had
black mold when leaks in plumbing chases, water pipes in the jail, weren't repaired promptly. But it is not a problem in cell blocks long term."
The next topic was about the alleged re-use of personal razors being cleaned in a dishwasher & then redistributed. Caldwell responded with,
"blades are disposable & thrown away after being used. We do NOT wash them".
The final topic was about was the alleged claim about the structural integrity of the jail because it was built on a former landfill with claims
that inmates were made to fill cracks with expanding foam & paint over it either as a temporary or permanent repair. Additionally, RFN asked if
there was any known active settling that may be causing foundation or structural cracking. Caldwell responded with, "the whole area used to be
a landfill but I'm not for certain the jail actually sits on one. The foundation is secure & sound."
BOLO FCPD has issued a lookout for a rear hit & run & near head-on collision driver that
forced a car into the ditch on Hwy 101 near Pleasant Valley Rd. If you recognize the truck, please contact FCPD at floydcountypolicedept@gmail.com
or via FB message. See dramatic dashcam video below.
SCROLL UP FOR MORE STORIES >>
MEDIA RELEASE: The office of the Rome City Manager is pleased to announce Denise Downer-McKinney has been selected as the new Chief of
the Rome Police Department to succeed Elaine Snow. Downer-McKinney, a thirty year veteran of the department, currently serves as Major of the
Support Services Bureau. Downer-McKinney was selected from a field of twenty-five internal & external candidates who presented before an
interview panel consisting of Human Resources Director Rita Odom, City Attorney Andy Davis & City Manager Sammy Rich.
Downer-McKinney began her career with the Rome Police Department in 1985 as a patrol officer & has advanced through the ranks having served
as a supervisor since 1994 & reaching the rank of Major in 2010. Downer-McKinney holds a number of impressive credentials, including a
Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from the University of Cincinnati as well as a Master's Degree of Public Administration from Columbus
State University. Additionally, Downer-McKinney is a graduate of Leadership Rome, Command College & the FBI National Academy.
“She certainly has an impressive educational background as well as practical hands on experience that will continue the positive momentum in
our police department,” said Rich. He added that Downer-McKinney is well respected amongst her peers & the community & has worked in all
facets of the Rome Police Department during her career. Rich will present Downer-McKinney to the Rome City Commission for affirmation of his
appointment at the March 14, 2016 Commission Meeting.
The Rome Police Department is an Internationally Accredited Agency through CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.)
For more information regarding the Police Chief, please contact Rita Odom at 706.236.4430 or rodom@romega.us - For additional information visit
www.romefloyd.com
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If it's not golf carts which are also being considered, Rome officials have announced the use of a new open-air taxi service in the form of
tri-cycle pedicabs starting in May, with sneak peaks in March & April, offering weekly service every Thursday through Saturday in the central
business district of Downtown Rome. Passengers can simply call for service or hail a pedicab when sighted downtown. Pedicab drivers will work
on gratuity, so there will be no set fee for service. The next thing will probably be horse drawn carriages with that wonderful by-product
associated with that.
Early Sunday morning, RCPD Capt Mark Tison confirmed to RFN that RCPD units & EMS responded to a shooting with one reported shot & another
fatally shot at a location described in the 500 block of Hardy Ave in South Rome. The second victim had non-life threatening injuries. A male
shooter & another female involved were quickly arrested as suspects for a total of four people involved. Police traffic indicated that one
victim was shot in the head but Tison could not discuss the reason for the shooting >> RNT
MEDIA RELEASE: The Floyd County Sheriff's Office has announced that an inmate
at the Floyd Jail was pronounced dead early Tuesday morning at 1:26A by Deputy Floyd County Coroner Ernie Studard. Robert Lee Maner (#1602000710)
was booked into the jail on 2.10.16 on charges of Possession of Methamphetamines & had been in jail for 13 days. Mr. Maner was found alone in
his assigned cell in L-Block by jail staff after lockdown rollcall. “Mr. Maner’s family was notified of his death at approximately 3A & so we
are now releasing basic details of the incident as protocol dictates”, according to Chief Deputy Tom Caldwell of the FCSO. “The GBI arrived at
the jail at approximately 4:40A & are conducting a full inquiry into the matter already at Sheriff Burkhalter's request”, said Caldwell. Per
policy, all inmate custody deaths require a full investigation by an outside agency & a potential coroner's inquest should the information &
facts call for one. FCSO Chief Deputy Caldwell later confirmed to RFN that the victim was found hanging but the official cause of death will
come from the crime lab. Any questions can be directed to Chief Deputy Caldwell at 706.252.4698
Late Friday afternoon, RFD, EMS & RCPD responded to Turner McCall Blvd at W 1st St just north of Broad St after a 60 ft construction lift
overturned into the eastbound lanes. Traffic was significantly backed up & the extent of injuries and/or any damage to vehicles was not
immediately known >> LOCATION IMAGES
FCPD Updates on FBOE Theft Investigation, $3M Money Trails & More >> RNT 1
& FCPD Describes Variety of Property Seizures >> RNT 2
Controversial Ground Fracking Discussed for Floyd Sites >> RNT
North Rome Street Re-Naming Request Causes Concerns >> RNT
At Least One Fatality & Several Reported Injured in Early Morning Rockmart Feed Mill Explosion on Rockmart Hwy 101 Just Before Hwy 278 >> WSB TV
Teens from Model Middle Assist Senior Citizens with Modern Technology, Like Phone Messaging & More in New Cyber Seniors Class >> DETAILS
URGENT FYi UPDATE Local Health Official & State Health Agency Confirm First Zika Virus
Case in Georgia, with urged caution especially for pregnant females>> DETAILS
Floyd BOE Selects & Names New Superintendent >> DETAILS
Late on the night of 2.1.16, multiple RFD & RCPD units responded to a house fire in the 700 block of Ave A just off the north side of T McCall Blvd.
Firefighters made entry & focused on the upper part of the house while others searched the interior for occupants but it was found to be vacant,
which was also stated to RFN by a nearby resident. No further details were immediately available. Check back for updates >> LOCATION IMAGES
Before you stop & actively help someone with car trouble, use caution. Man Reported to Be Shot While Helping a 'Stranded' Driver in N Floyd >> RNT
According to the 2015 annual report, the Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau says that local tourism generated $138M. That's alot of
money, especially for a small town. So why do Rome & Floyd governments struggle to pay for basic things like increased pay for critical public
services, their support personnel & other important needs? Well, you're certainly not going to find that answer in the following info >> DETAILS
On the night of 1.29.16, FCPD & nearby assisting agencies responded to & searched the area after a reported armed robbery at a store at the corner of
Burnett Ferry Rd & Payne Rd in W Rome. It was not immediately known if there were any injuries or what may have been taken. This is the third
armed robbery at a store in the last 2 weeks. Check back for updates.
SCROLL UP FOR MORE STORIES >>
COURT DENIES BOND > FCSO Corporal Jessie Stiles, an 11-year veteran, was terminated on 1.22.16 after being placed on administrative leave
since Wednesday, January 20. An internal investigation initiated as a result of a complaint filed with the Sheriff's Office concluded that Stiles
violated a number of policies which resulted in his arrest with multiple charges >> DETAILS & CHARGES
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Another Early Morning Armed Robbery Reported, This Time on Tuesday at a Store in North Rome >> RNT
Early Monday Morning Armed Robbery Reported at Store in W Rome >> RNT
First Travel-Related Zika Case Confirmed In Georgia
Logan Boss, a local health official, is re-inforcing the importance of the knowledge about the recent outbreak of the Zika virus especially for
pregnant females.
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is confirming the first travel-related case of Zika virus in Georgia. Testing was done by the
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. The non-pregnant individual traveled to Colombia between the end of December and the first of January
& has made a full recovery. Tests are still being done on specimens from several other Georgia residents with travel history to areas where
Zika virus outbreaks are ongoing.
“It is extremely important that individuals who have traveled to countries where there are on-going Zika virus outbreaks keep guard against
additional mosquito bites,” said Cherie Drenzek, D.V.M, state epidemiologist for DPH. “During the first week or so of infection, Zika virus can
be passed from an infected person to another mosquito through mosquito bites. An infected mosquito can then transmit the virus to other people.”
DPH cautions travelers, especially women who are pregnant, headed to countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing: Brazil, Colombia, El
Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
& the U.S. Virgin Islands, among others. The complete list of Zika affected countries can be found at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information.
There are urgent concerns about Zika virus infection and pregnant women. Zika virus infections have been confirmed in infants with microcephaly
& in the current outbreak in Brazil, a marked increase in the number of infants born with microcephaly has been reported. Pregnant women or
women trying to get pregnant should not travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women who have traveled to these areas
should consult their physician immediately. Health care providers should ask all pregnant women about recent travel.
Zika virus is primarily spread to people through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain &
conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring
hospitalization is uncommon. Most people infected with Zika virus never know they are sick.
EARLIER:Zika Precautions Urged for Georgia Travelers Urgent Zika Warning for Pregnant Women
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) cautions travelers, especially women who are pregnant, headed to countries where Zika
virus transmission is ongoing: Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay,
Suriname, Venezuela, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico & the U.S. Virgin Islands, among others. See wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information
No locally transmitted Zika cases have been reported in Georgia or anywhere in the United States, but cases have been reported in returning
travelers. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention is currently testing specimens from several Georgia residents with travel history to
the affected areas.
There are urgent concerns about Zika virus infection & pregnant women. Zika virus infections have been confirmed in infants with microcephaly
& in the current outbreak in Brazil, a marked increase in the number of infants born with microcephaly has been reported. Pregnant women or
women trying to get pregnant should not travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women who have traveled to these areas s
hould consult their physician immediately. Health care providers should ask all pregnant women about recent travel.
Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. Zika virus is not spread human to human. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease
are fever, rash, joint pain & conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe
disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon. Most people infected with Zika virus never know they are sick. Currently, there is no vaccine to
prevent or medicine to treat Zika. Travelers should check CDC travel advisories for their destinations & take precautions to protect themselves
from mosquitos:
* Wear long-sleeved shirts & long pants
* Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or IR3535 (use as directed) * Use
permethrin-treated clothing & gear (such as boots, pants, socks & tents) See http://npic.orst.edu/pest/mosquito/ptc.html
* Stay & sleep in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms
The number of Zika cases among travelers visiting or returning to the United States will likely increase. These imported cases could result in
local spread of the virus in some areas of the country, including Georgia.
“It is extremely important that individuals who have traveled to countries where there are on-going Zika virus outbreaks keep guard against
additional mosquito bites,” said Cherie Drenzek, D.V.M, state epidemiologist for DPH. “During the first week or so of infection, Zika virus can
be passed from an infected person to another mosquito through mosquito bites. An infected mosquito can then transmit the virus to other people.”
Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito which can be found in Georgia. The
mosquitos bite mostly during the daytime, they do not fly very far & tend to live around homes. The mosquitos breed in containers so removing
them or dumping out standing water at least once a week, or using larvicides such as mosquito dunks or mosquito torpedoes in water that cannot
be dumped out, will reduce the number of these mosquitoes. For more information about Zika virus & current travel advisories, visit http://dph.georgia.gov
or http://cdc.gov/zika
City Manager Sammy Rich confirmed to RFN that the city will not be involved with any ownership or maintenance of carts but will only manage
permits for businesses or individuals with a one-time fee to operate them downtown. City Considering Golf Cart Use for Visitors & Locals to
Access Downtown >> RNT
Newly Elected DDA Member Benefiting from Downtown Block Parties Wants First Friday Concerts to Be Moved Exclusively to Broad St but Other
Members Expose the Angle >> RNT
FYE In order to appear relevant & helpful, RNT recently annoyingly reminded everybody
several times just how much the largest lottery payout in history had grown. They also included a list of several high ticket items that could
be bought with that $1.5B but they left out one thing. If RNT won, they could actually pay off the $10M in debt that they owe 300+ creditors
even though their bankruptcy wiped out most of that. But that's not going to happen to make things right. Among other things to spend it on,
they would use the winnings to absorb the payments of their former CEO's well known departing 'consulting' bonus of $10K per month for 20 months
($200K) handed out amid past & future layoffs because that's the RNT way. And while on the subject of using other people. If Mr Hometown
Headlines won, he could actually consider paying for all the 'contributed' & 'borrowed' (ripped off) content that he posts on a regular basis
laughing all the way to the bank because it's all FREEEEE. On second thought, he would never pay for anything.
Monday afternoon, RCPD Maj Debbie Burnett confirmed to RFN that RCPD units & assisting agencies
conducted a manhunt with a tracking dog for a suspicious male spotted near the 400 building of the Ashland Park apartments just off the loop &
Hwy 53 & about a mile from Rome Middle & High Schools on the loop. Burnett stated that the man did have a gun, with unknown caliber, threatening
to harm himself but not the officers or anyone else. He was pursued into a heavily wooded area but was not located during the search that lasted
about an hour causing the nearby schools to be placed on a short lockdown as a precaution. MEDIA RELEASE: Recognizing parents' needs for
timely & accurate information about student safety, we want to share with you an incident that occurred outside of our school campuses. We were
informed by local law enforcement officials that they were pursuing an individual around the vicinity of Rome High School & Rome Middle School.
As per our Emergency Preparedness Plan, we locked down both of these campuses in order to ensure the safety of all students. This action was a
precautionary measure & the lockdowns was lifted. Providing a safe & secure learning environment is a top priority for Rome City Schools & we
take these incidents very seriously. Extensive security measures are in place to help us maintain a safe campus.
TRAFFIC UPDATE ALL roads previously affected by recent high water are now
open. However, Floyd road officials have announced the “temporary opening” of the bridge on Everett Springs Rd, but at a reduced weight for
passenger vehicles only. See extensive details about the restrictions of the temporary bridge on Everett Springs Rd below.
MEDIA RELEASE: Floyd County Public Works has installed a temporary structure at the bridge on Everett Springs Rd that is open to local
traffic. The temporary 'bridge' is actually the truck scale from our old asphalt plant. The bridge & drainage section supervisor, Denton Wright,
came up with a plan to use the scale to temporarily open the road. The area is marked for a single lane crossing at a reduced limit of 5 tons.
The scale was only 10 ft wide & when rails were added, the clearance was reduced to less than 9 ft. The local crews wanted to do whatever they
could to reconnect the community to Floyd County, even if it is temporary. Public Works crews did prep work this weekend & started moving
equipment in place on Sunday. The scale was set in place on Monday.
Currently, the approaches to the scale are dirt, but county crews expect to get tar & gravel down on Tuesday. The primary detour for residents
was approximately 25 miles one way. Floyd County will maintain a Mutual Aid support for Fire & EMS with neighboring counties due to the
weight/width restrictions but FCPD will be able to respond as needed. Options will be reviewed for a permanent structure. The lead time to
order materials could be several weeks which made a temporary structure even more valuable. School buses are restricted. Floyd County Schools
has setup a bus stop/turn around at 3511 Everett Springs Rd, just below the temporary structure, to allow residents to drop-off/pick-up kids if
needed.
Due to flooding from the recent rains, Everett Springs Rd was completely closed in the 3500 block earlier because of the failure of that bridge
over a tributary to John's Creek. Detours for larger vehicles can go through Chattooga/Walker County or Gordon County until the bridge is
replaced. The repair was said to be the county's top priority but it could take several weeks to complete.
FYiExtra! Extra! Out of absolute desperation for attention & as they regularly do in
their print edition throughout the year, Rome's self-described dedicated, wonderful, caring & beloved newspaper is recapping (bragging)
about its most viewed stories for 2015. But as with the weekly recaps, the annual recap contains the most disturbing list of all because 7 of 10
of them are from reports of people's deaths. Surely all the victims' families are thankful for RNT reminding them of these tragic events
especially in such a sensitive 'best of' recap format & just after Christmas too. Absolutely pitiful. See the insanity for yourself >> RNT
TRAFFIC UPDATE See 19 images from Sunday around the city & into the county >> AREA FLOOD IMAGES
- Also see why RFD was at the levee near W 3rd on RFN's >> Facebook page
UPDATE 3An additional suspect has been arrested>> RNT
MEDIA RELEASE: On the morning of December 22, 2015 the Rome Police Department began an investigation into the suspicious death of an
Hispanic male. The male had been located behind an apartment on Woodcreek Way. Evidence located at the scene indicated that the death was a
probable homicide. The victim’s body is currently awaiting an autopsy at the GBI Crime Lab.
After many hours of intensive investigation, members of the Criminal Investigative Division developed probable cause for the arrest of three
persons for the robbery and murder of the victim.
Kelesha Dorsey and Delaney Ray were arrested on the night of December 23, 2015 and charged with party to the crime of murder. Additional charges
are forthcoming.
A murder warrant was also obtained for Kyle Anthony Strother. He is described as a 25 year old, black male, 6’3” tall, weighing 180 lbs with
distinctive tattoo’s on his face.
Strother is still at large and could still be in the Rome area although he has ties to Decaur GA. He is considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone who sees Kyle Strother or has information regarding his location is asked to call 911 immediately.
Anyone with other information regarding this murder is urged to contact Investigator Brandon Ekey at 706.238.5128 or 706.238.5111. Information
may also be submitted anonymously through the Rome/Floyd.com website or the Crime Line at 706.236.5000
EARLIER >> An RCPD official has confirmed to RFN that early on the morning of 12.22.15 around 7A, RCPD, the coroner & EMS responded to
9-B Wood Creek Way off Wilkerson Rd in W Rome after a deceased male believed to be in his mid to late 20's was discovered outside. The victim
had what was described as a 'possible' gunshot wound but no weapon was found at the scene. The victim was transported to the crime lab for
further investigation. No further details could be released. Check back for updates.
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UPDATE
RCPD officers helped replace stolen gifts after the theft of the original gifts from a vehicle in West Rome. See dramatic video, with 28K+ views
on RCPD's FB page & as of only 1 day after being posted Monday evening, 39K+ views on Fox5's FB page so far, on the porch of the victim's
house as the officers present the replacements >> VIDEO
RFN contacted all Atlanta tv news stations, all national broadcast & cable news networks including Inside Edition, with Inside Edition
showing the most immediate interest, about the recent RCPD officers' video showing the morning watch team surprising a Christmas gift theft
victim with replacements & a gift card for several hundred dollars. However, because it is a few days old or if they have a heavy schedule,
most or all may not mention it on their air but instead on their website(s) or possibly not at all. But if you see this story air on any of the
Atlanta or national networks or on their websites in the next few days, please mention it on RFN's >> Facebook page
or send a note to RFN >> HERE
so others that missed it could possibly see the report on the networks' website(s). Thanks!
So far, the GBI has arrested Courtney Sky Pope of Boulder Dr & Imran Habib Kalavant of Melody Ln along with Madhur Gupta
of South Cloudview Rd & Mehrunnisha Kalavant of Melody Ln, all for alleged illegal commercial gamgling & all residing in Rome. See
arrest images in Thursday's & Friday's >> ARREST REPORTS
- All day Wednesday, GBI agents & assisting local agencies raided at least seven local stores around Rome so far for alleged gaming violations.
The GBI stated that multiple arrests are pending. In total, more than 80 Agents, investigators, police officers & Sheriff’s deputies launched
the raids in a simultaneous & coordinated fashion >> RAID DETAILS
- Check back for updates
FCPD & Assisting Agencies Arrest at Least Two So Far with 11 Counts of Theft from Vehicles in Silver Creek >> DETAILS, ARREST IMAGE & CHARGES
>> B & A LOCATION IMAGES
- A van that was submerged in the Horseleg Creek river outlet since an MVA early Friday morning continued to generate as many as 30+ 911 calls
over this past weekend & an additional 6 on Monday by passing drivers still not aware of why it was there. Early Friday morning, the van
reportedly left the road & travelled into the high flood water becoming submerged on Horseleg Creek Rd at the pump station & HLC bridge about a
1/4 mile from Shorter Ave. It was not immediately known if there were any injuries.
>> LOCATION IMAGE
- Monday afternoon, the awning at the Rome History Museum at the corner of Broad St at E 3rd Ave suddenly fell to the sidewalk. No known
injuries were reported.
Ribbon Cutting for New Coosa High School >> DETAILS
MEDIA RELEASE: On 12.9.15, the GBI's Commercial Gambling Unit, along with
the Rome-Floyd Metro Task Force, RCPD, FCPD, FCSO & in cooperation with the Georgia Lottery Corporation & the Georgia Department of Revenue
executed seven (7) search warrants in the city limits of Rome, Ga for violations of Georgia's commercial gambling laws.
Search warrants were served at seven (7) business locations. While searching the locations, agents collected evidence related to crimes of
commercial gambling & seized monetary assets gained from the illegal use of gaming machines.
All of the locations are currently licensed to operate Coin Operated Amusement Machines. However, during the course of the investigation, agents
discovered customers were receiving cash payouts for winning credits. In Georgia, credits may only be redeemed for lottery tickets and/or store
merchandise. Multiple arrests are pending. In total, more than 80 Agents, Investigators, Police Officers and Sheriff’s Deputies launched the
raids in a simultaneous and coordinated fashion.
Search warrants were executed at the following business locations:
Garden Lakes Food & Beverage, 2022 Redmond Cir
Maple Quick Stop, 1912 Maple Ave
Sammy’s Salvage, 1301 Shorter Ave
Calhoun Quick Stop, 1120 Calhoun Ave
Lucky Lotto #3, 1300 Shorter Av
One Stop Shop for All, 1433 North Broad St
One Stop Shop, 2017 Maple Avenue
>> ARREST IMAGE & CHARGES
- FCPD RELEASE: Acting on information called in by observant citizens in the area, FCPD located a vehicle used in at least
eleven vehicle break-ins in the Ridgewood subdivision on Tuesday. Police have arrested one female & one juvenile as a result.
Early Tuesday morning, Floyd E911 received a call of a Black SUV, occupied by two females who were dumping items in trash cans at Midway Park.
This call was occurring at the same time police were being called to three different residences in the Ridgewood subdivision for reports of
vehicles being broken into.
The citizens who observed the suspects at Midway Park got a very detailed description of the vehicle & a license plate number, which was given
to all the local law enforcement agencies. The vehicle was later observed by police on Chateau Dr along with two females, 23 year old Annamarie
Tant of 210 Cole St & her accomplice, a 15 year old female, who were both taken into custody.
Both of females were charged with eleven counts of Entering an Automobile to commit a theft, & Tant was additionally charged with Contributing
to the Delinquency of a Minor. Several items were recovered & returned to the proper owners. The vehicle was taken to the FCPD station for
execution of a search warrant, in which several more items were recovered. Police are in contact with the victims & returning property to the
rightful owners.
Police are also asking that all homeowners lock their vehicles after they park them at night.
FCPD is grateful for the observant friends in our community. Without your help & support our jobs would be increasingly difficult. The first
line of defense against thefts of this kind is always neighbors watching out for neighbors, & citizens reporting suspicious activity when they
observe it.
>> 3 ARREST IMAGES & CHARGES
- A single mother of a special needs
child was forced to buy a new wardrobe thanks to three people who stole her clothes from a dryer at a DIY laundry business. The mother left
momentarily to check on Thanksgiving dinner, but when she returned all of her clothes were stolen >> SECURITY VIDEO
FYi If you renew your vehicle tag in December, you may be affected by the following issue
preventing tag renewal mailouts >> DETAILS
TRAFFIC FYiThere has already been a serious collision on the newest section of the west Floyd
connector at Turner Bend Rd in Coosa >> MVA IMAGE
& over the past months a few more further south. But at least one other close call avoiding a head-on collision was recently reported after a
driver travelling west on 20W accidentally turned right onto the off-ramp on the connector thinking it was the on-ramp to enter it. The real
danger is in the off-ramp's 180° curve if someone is travelling the wrong way because you cannot see them until it's too late. Accessing
the actual on-ramp from 20W requires a driver to pass under the bridge & turn left across 20W to enter the connector. Floyd 911 stated that there
have been no other official specific reports or lookouts for wrong-way drivers entering the off-ramp from 20W but that doesn't mean others haven't
happened. A GDOT official said there is adequate 'DO NOT ENTER' signage but drivers should stay alert until users get familiar with all the
correct pathways.
Several state governors, including
Georgia's, have decided to not accept unverified refugees from war-torn countries but that effort may not stand against federal authority.
To see a viral, dramatic, raw, non-stop, high energy, frightening, street level video montage with NO boring interviews featuring what
American citizens like YOU may have to deal with if countless unconfirmed war-fleeing refugees are allowed to enter the USA as they are in
several western European countries & what you will NOT see in the mainstream news, click >> HERE
- On 11.13.15, at least 125+ people were killed among many more injured during several violent attacks at multiple locations in France which
was in a state of emergency prompting closure of the borders.
FYiVehicle Registration Renewals - MEDIA RELEASE: The Department of Revenue (DOR) was recently
notified by the vehicle registration renewal print vendor that they would not be able to fulfill the mailing of renewal notices to Georgia
residents. This notification impacted the Department of Revenue as the supplier of the data, citizens of Georgia and local County Tax
Commissioners who send out these courtesy mailings.
The DOR has found another vendor to produce these annual renewal notices. As details are finalized for future mailings with the new vendor, we
wanted to inform Floyd County registrants with December renewal deadlines that they will not be receiving the standard detailed registration
renewal document this year.
Please Note: This is the result of a vendor issue and is in no way caused by local County Tax Commissioners. A standard registration notice
will not be mailed for December renewals. Instead, drivers will receive a letter explaining that they will not be mailed renewal notices and be
provided with additional options for renewing their registration in a timely manner.
Affected drivers’ decals and registration will no longer be valid after their registration expires, typically on the registrant’s birthday. The
expiration date is noted on their current registration card (in the upper right corner). Drivers need to renew as soon as possible, and prior
to their deadline to avoid a lapse in registration. Late fees must be added, by law, after a driver’s birthday or due date has past. The Tax
Commissioner has no authority to waive these late fees.
There are several renewal options available to Floyd County registrants:
Floyd County Tag Office: With your tag information, you can visit the local tag office to pay your registration and receive your decal. The
office is located at 101 W 5th Ave in the Historic Courthouse. The phone number is 706.291.5150.
Online: Residents of Floyd County can renew using the Renewal Identification Number (RIN) located on the renewal notice. If the renewal notice
is unavailable, a resident may use the RIN look-up tool found on the Department’s website. http://dor.georgia.gov
Recent City Commission Votes Prompt Semi-heated Comments >> RNT
& See RNT FB Comments >> HERE
>> RNT FOLLOWUP
| >> ARREST IMAGE & CHARGES
- RCPD Maj Debbie Burnett confirmed to RFN that just after midnight Sunday morning in the 100 block of Cherokee St in South Rome, a 14 yr old
female was shot in the head area by a 19 yr old male who was also found to be the father of a child with that female. The male was arrested &
the extent of injuries & current condition of the female & if the 19 yr old male's physical relationship with the female was known to police
are also not known or confirmed, respectively. Around the same time, another shooting was reported at a club on N Broad St known as Rambo's.
Maj Burnett stated that the victim was shot in the leg & refused to co-operate with police about details.
FCPD Maj Mark Wallace confirmed to RFN that around noon Friday, FCPD, an investigator
& the coroner responded to a location on Kirby Rd off of Autry Rd just inside the Floyd line at Gordon County in northeast Floyd after human
remains, including a skull, femur, scapula, a hip joint & the sole of a shoe or boot were discovered by a hunter in a remote wooded area.
Deputy Coroner Gene Proctor told RFN that the condition of the bones indicated that they may have been there for 5+ yrs. Maj Wallace said that
no further info was available but that Floyd & Gordon Counties did have active missing person reports that would be reviewed. The remains have
been sent to the GBI crime lab for analysis. RFN has learned of a new detail that may help to confirm this person's identity but that info has
not been officially cleared yet. Check back for updates.
BOLO ALERT! Have you seen these local fugitives or do you know where they are located?
Finally, the FCSO updated its 10 Most Wanted Floyd Fugitives list after about 2-3 yrs, at least online. All the recent new fugitives are now
available to view with pictures & complete bios on a PC RIGHT NOW at >> FloydFugitives.com
or on a mobile device or tablet at FloydFugitives.MOBi - You can also see today's jail reports filling several pages on a PC right now at
>> arrests.floydfugitives.com
& on mobile device or tablet at arrests.floydfugitives.mobi
FYi All Veterans are reminded to register their military discharge record known as a DD214
with the Clerk of Floyd County Superior Court, Barbara Penson. This is a free service provided as a small token of appreciation for Veterans
service to our country.
Former FBOE Employee to Forfeit Assets While Investigation Continues with Arrests Coming >> RNT
TRAFFIC The west Floyd connector from Hwy 27 in southern Floyd to Hwy 20W in Coosa in west
Floyd is opened for traffic now. According to GDOT, the widening & reconstruction project of the all-concrete West Rome bypass also includes
the construction of a total of ten bridges within its limits & has been under construction since early November 2011.
Reported Drive-by Shots Fired Into House Just Off Shorter Ave in W Rome >> RNT
FYi A local news source is now offering to edit their public records by request from those
that want arrest records removed if found not guilty. But what is not mentioned are some associated court document costs & that any entity that
posts jail reports cannot directly charge anyone to remove a report because that is illegal. If they are willing to edit these records, what is
next on their list? Get more details about this & other info about posted jail records that you may not know >> HERE
Two RCPD Officers Provide Critical
On-scene Care for Victim with Serious Power Saw Injury >> FOX5 VIDEO
Get a unique & close-up view in a
video showing the chipped paint & other weathered items, the timing electronics behind the clock faces & mechanical components inside Rome's
historic clock tower's giant bell housing at the top to see how it all works. Also get other details about the ongoing restoration fundraising
effort & a recent large donation >> VIDEO
>> ARREST DETAILS
- Mid-morning on 10.18.15, RCPD Major Debbie Burnett confirmed to RFN that after an attempted traffic stop in the area of Hull Ave & E 18th St in E
Rome, shots were exchanged between the driver of a vehicle & the officer that returned fire as the driver exited the vehicle & fled on foot.
Burnett stated that neither person was hit or injured after only one shot was fired from each person & after a short foot pursuit, the suspect
was arrested by the officer. In addition to assisting units, a tracking dog was called in & was able to help find the weapon a short time later
& according to the arrest report above, other items were recovered contributing to the charges. Burnett also stated that the scenario was still
being reviewed as to what direction the suspect fired & no further info could be immediately released. Check back for updates.
CEO of an Atlanta Company to Fund Rome Boy's $70K Prosthetic Limbs After Story Aired on WSB >> WSB
- A division of Coosa football also recently 'drafted' the 9 yr old as a team captain >> RSN
Hear the actual 911 audio from a 6 yr old girl that was recently honored as a Floyd 911 Young Hero after she made a call that helped save her
father's life >> 911 AUDIO
- MEDIA RELEASE: Kameron Brock, a 6 yr old first grade student at Pepperell Primary School, has been named a recipient of the 2015 Young
Heroes Award. Emergency Management of Rome and Floyd County, in conjunction with 911, awards the honor. The presentation was made on Friday,
October 9 at 10A at Pepperell Primary. On hand for the special school assembly were emergency responders who participated in the trauma call &
other representatives of RFD, FCPD, FCSO, the 911 Call Center & emergency medical responders.
Kameron's Father has a serious heart condition & when he experienced medical trauma about 10 days ago, Kameron came to his rescue. She dialed
911 & provided information that was needed for dispatchers to assure that they could get to the home quickly. “Kameron is a very brave young
lady who remained calm & got help for her dad quickly,” said Rome-Floyd E-911 Director John Blalock as he presented the award.
The first grade class at Pepperell Primary joined in on the presentation & 176 first grade children applauded their classmate as Blalock made
the presentation. “Kameron knew that her address would show up on our system when she called from her home phone so she disconnected from the
cell phone she first called 911 on & called right back on her home phone,” Blalock said. “With the right address, emergency crews quickly
responded to the scene.”
“Kameron showed exemplary character as a responsible young hero as she handled the situation to assure that life-saving measures could be taken
for her father,” stated Carmen Jones, principal of Pepperell Primary.” “Kameron used PBIS expectations taught to children at this school as she
demonstrated responsibility, respect & safety.” PBIS is a positive behavior incentive program used at the school. Jones added, “The school
stresses the importance of being safe, respectful and responsible everywhere students go.”
Floyd County Commissioner Irwin Bagwell addressed the assembly. He said, “You listened to your teachers & followed their directions – this day
is about you being a hero.” Floyd County Board of Education member Dr. Tony Daniel was also on hand for the presentation.
Floyd 911 FB POST: "We are so proud to honor 6-year old, Pepperell Primary First Grader, Kameron Brock as our 2015 Young Hero. Kameron called 911 when
her father needed help. She couldn't remember her address. It's easy to forget things when you're worried about a loved one. She did remember
that someone had told her if she called from the house phone, her address would automatically be displayed at 911. She hung up & called back
on her home phone. Help was sent immediately. At the request & with the permission of her parents, we are providing a portion of the 911 call
audio. We will be using this audio in the future during our 911 familiarization sessions with Floyd County's youth. Excuse the breaks & cuts
from the audio, we removed portions at the request of Kameron's parents. The voice at the end of the recording is a sheriff's deputy who arrived
to help. Kameron's father is doing well."
If you are planning to fly or enter a federal building in the very near future, you will be required to present a new updated secure driver's
license >> RNT
GE Donates 123 Acres of Land on their W Rome Tract to the City >> DETAILS
UPDATE 2Get a link to 63 pages of detailed legal documents including policies,
cancelled checks, emails & the original complaint at the end of the following info. MEDIA RELEASE: An independent report investigating
allegations against system employees filed recently with the Public Service Commission found no evidence to support the claims of a former
system employee filed by an Atlanta attorney.
Floyd County Schools received the report on 9.30.15 outlining the findings of Mr. David Archer, an attorney from Cartersville hired to
investigate the issues. The report has been forwarded to the PSC as requested by the state organization governing professional educator
certification.
The PSC did not find sufficient grounds to investigate the allegations but remanded the issues back to the local board of education for
investigation. The board hired Archer in August to conduct an independent investigation. The report prepared by Archer found no factual basis
to support any of the allegations against system employees under the PSC.
Archer also investigated a number of allegations in the complaint leveled against Floyd County Board of Education chairman, George Bevels.
Bevels is not an employee of the system and not a certified educator so he would not fall under the purview of the PSC. Of the various
allegations against Bevels, only one was found to have any merit. Mr Bevels informed Archer that he had requested a system employee to help him
with preparing drawings for a small construction project several years ago. "I did make the request but it was not done with an intent of
wrongdoing," Bevels said. "I volunteered that information to Mr. Archer in our initial meeting and I regret if I put the employee in a
difficult position - that was never my intent." Mr. Bevels requested an estimate of the cost of time for the employee to prepare the drawings
& he has reimbursed the system $75.00 - the estimated cost for the time used by the employee.
"I have worked for the children of the community for more than 26 years on the board and the education of children has been and will continue
to be my first priority," Bevels commented. "It has been my honor to serve the good people of Cave Spring and McHenry and I will continue to
dedicate my time and energy to educating our children and providing a brighter future for our community." See 63 pages of legal documents
>> RNT
MEDIA RELEASE: The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office is announcing the pending filing of a mandamus action in Floyd Superior Court, by former
Governor Roy E. Barnes, on behalf of Sheriff Tim Burkhalter has been temporarily placed on hold.
Sheriff Burkhalter has spoken recently to all Floyd County Commissioners & Floyd County Manager Jamie McCord to see if the well-publicized
issues can be resolved without such steps being taken. According to the sheriff, “During my conversation with Rhonda Wallace, she asked if we
could put this on hold until after the raise issue was addressed & we can try & tackle the issues during the upcoming year’s budget process.”
“Commissioner Wallace has shown continuous leadership in trying to address the concerns on both sides of these issues & hopefully in the coming
months she can assist us in addressing these needs” stated Burkhalter.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office acquired the services of Attorney Roy E. Barnes in March 2015 to assist in resolving the issues of serious
staffing, salary & equipment needs required to run the office & the failure of The Floyd County Commission over the years to address those needs
when notified by the sheriff. In the months since then, preparation & research have been conducted to file a mandamus action to address these
issues & that initial action has been completed.
“Governor Barnes & his staff have all the information they have asked for & my understanding is that he has the filing on his desk & ready to
be filed at our request” according to Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Tom Caldwell. Sheriff Burkhalter hopes to continue to have a dialog with
Commissioner Wallace & the other board members during the planning stages of FY 2016 to reach common ground with the understanding that needs
will not disappear just because they are not addressed. “We have committed to wait until the end of January to see if these raises go into
effect & if we can make up some ground on the other issues, but considering the holidays & the tedious nature of the budget process, four months
is not a long time” stated Caldwell.
MEDIA RELEASE: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month & the Floyd County Health
Department wants everyone to be aware of the Georgia Breast & Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP). “Breast cancer is the second leading cause of
cancer deaths for women in Georgia,” says Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District BCCP Coordinator Anne Murphy. “Early
detection is critical; cancers found earlier are more likely to be treated successfully & women are surviving longer with breast cancer.”
BCCP provides access to timely breast & cervical cancer screening & diagnostic services throughout the state to Georgia women residents.
Services are available for women with limited annual income, as well as uninsured (no current health insurance) & underinsured
(limited health insurance) & women who are between the ages of 40-64 for breast cancer & 21-64 for cervical cancer.
Services provided by the Georgia Breast & Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) include:
· Clinical breast examinations
· Pelvic examinations
· Pap tests
· Mammograms (if 40-64 yrs old)
· Diagnostic evaluation, if results are abnormal.
· Referrals to treatment through the Women’s Health Medicaid Program
For more information or to access services, please call the Floyd County Health Department at 706.295.6123
MEDIA RELEASE: Over thirty major changes to the Georgia Food Service Rules & Regulations have been announced & go into effect November
1. The changes cover a wide range of requirements & are available online at http://dph.georgia.gov/food-rules-and-regulations
“We wanted to announce them & allow time for environmental health specialists at our county health departments to conduct appropriate training
with local food service operators & managers before they went into effect,” said Environmental Health Director Tim Allee with the Georgia
Department of Public Health Northwest Health District. “We also wanted food-service operators to have time to review the changes & contact us
if they had questions.”
The changes, which range from conditional allowance of pet dogs in outside dining areas to clarification of foods by which an expiration or
use-by date prohibits use to clarification of outdoor barbeque-use requirements, are listed in a Georgia Department of Public Health summary
brochure that can be found at http://dph.georgia.gov/food-rules-and-regulations
According to Allee, “we've sent letters & brochures to over 1250 Northwest Georgia food-service establishments. If an operator or manager
doesn't receive one, he or she should go to the website to obtain the information or contact the environmental health office at their local
county health department.”
Food service establishments include restaurants, school lunchrooms, nursing home cafeterias, catering operations, mobile food units, temporary
food stands & other public & private businesses & operations that prepare & serve food.
Environmental health specialists at local county health departments are responsible for the regulation & routine inspection of local food
service establishments, investigation of food-borne related complaints & illnesses & education & training for food service operators & managers.
For more information about changes to Georgia’s Rules & Regulations for Food Service, contact the Environmental Health office at your local
county health department:
Northwest Health District Environmental Health Office Phone Numbers:
Bartow: 770.387.2614
Catoosa: 706.406.2030
Chattooga: 706.857.3377
Dade: 706.657.4213
Floyd: 706.295.6316
Gordon: 706.624.1440
Haralson: 770.646.4301
Paulding: 770.443.7877
Polk: 770.749.2253
Walker: 706.639.2574
An FBOE official has confirmed to RFN that one or more BOE employees may have clicked
on a link in an e-mail that caused their machine's e-mail address books to be compromised & retrieved by a hacker/spammer for them to send out
additional spoofed spam messages. Spoofing means that a sender can send messages from any e-mail address but can mask it as if it was sent
from someone else so it appears that it came from a trusted sender. RFN, as well as several other local media sources & other BOE employees,
began receiving 4-5 unusual e-mails from what appeared to be a BOE address Tuesday night & again early Wednesday morning. The subject line in
the suspicious e-mails says "Fw: important" & the message in the body simply says, "Important message, please visit whatever.com", with
'whatever.com' being the clickbait link which RFN is not going to post here. On Wednesday, the BOE official said that their IT manager was
actively & aggressively monitoring the activity to stop it. However, early Thursday morning then again Friday night a string of 4-5 new e-mails
showing more & different e-mail addresses from other Floyd schools were visible in the carbon copy line that RFN & the other recipients
received. The BOE official also stated that several heavily affected BOE addresses that were receiving multiple messages were disabled, at
least until it is stopped. So, this may be a growing issue or bigger than is currently known, however, it should be noted that even though the
issue could be resolved on the BOE side, because the hacker still has the address book entries, the messaging could continue indefinitely.
Check back for updates.
Woman Arrested for Allegedly Stealing a Reported $11K from a City School PTO in W Rome >> RNT
Local Senior Citizens Win Medals at 2015 Georgia Golden Olympics >> RSN
FYi RCPD to Offer Citizen Police Academy >> DETAILS
FYiMEDIA RELEASE: Floyd County E-911 has completed testing of all equipment, processes &
training required to implement Text-to-911. This allows those within the boundaries of Floyd County, who have an emergency, a registered
cell phone with a text plan, & the inability to make a voice call, to send 911 an SMS text message. The procedure is like sending any other text
message & in this case by simply entering 911 & hitting the send button. Appropriate times to text 911 instead of calling 911 would be when the
caller is unable to call due to the caller being Deaf, having a speech or hearing impairment, or being in a situation where making a voice call
would endanger the caller. We are very excited to have this capability & provide direct access to Floyd County’s significant Deaf, Hard of
Hearing, & Speech Impaired communities. On 9.15.15, Floyd County E-911 hosted a member of the Deaf community who was representing the NW
Georgia Center for Independent Living to make the first ceremonial Text to Floyd County E-911.
Local Juvenile Judge Proposes Race-specific Awareness Program to be Funded by Local Taxpayers & Others at $3,500 per Session as a Model >> WRGA
Female Victim Claims Man Grabbed Valuables from Car Seat Through Open Window at Traffic Signal 3 Times >> RNT
Construction at City Auditorium Underway & Affecting Parking >> DETAILS
FYi: If it's not bears & muggers, it's a bobcat ... but not the tractor kind. A bobcat was spotted in Ridge Ferry Park on Riverside Pkwy
several months ago & may have returned between then & now without reports or it could be a different cat. This time, it was on Saturday & it
was spotted behind the concert stage. An RCPD official stated that the witness did not mention if it was aggressive toward anyone or if it was
just lurking around doing what bobcats do. So if you are a walker, runner, biker, skater, etc or take small kids & pets to the park, be aware.
The RCPD official said that DNR will be notified to monitor the cat's activity.
View exclusive RFN VIDEO of a black bear crossing T McCall >> HERE
FYi FCPD is reminding drivers to be extra careful when encountering school busses. MEDIA
RELEASE: Georgia Law states that motorists must stop for all school busses which have stopped & have the visual signals in operation. This
includes the flashing red lights & the extended stop sign on the side of the bus. It also includes all four lane highways that do not have a
physical separation such as a wall or barrier. Drivers should not continue past the school bus until the bus is in motion. Our goal is to ensure
the safety of all bus riders as they travel to & from school on a daily basis.
UPDATE 2FBOE RELEASE:>> DETAILS
& to see the 12 Page Mutual Agreement of Separation Terms >> HERE (.PDF)
- EARLIER >> FBOE Board Terminates Superintendent >> RNT
& FCPD Suggests that the FBI May Enter Ongoing BOE Investigation >> RNT
UPDATE FBOE to Hire Outside Lawfirm to Investigate Member >> RNT
FYi WRGA has confirmed with posts from its staff that their news site's FB page was taken
over in a total lockout by a hacker from Friday until Tuesday. It also appears that their companion FB page for 93.5 (previously South 107) was
hacked as well. For more details & some discussion about this, click >> HERE
Local Man Video Recording On-Duty
RCPD & Confronting FCPD Officers with Critical Comments & Posting it Online. Police Officials Comment - Two videos & transcripts >> DETAILS & VIDEO
- (language advisory)
UPDATE>> ALL SUSPECT ARREST IMAGES & DETAILS
- Dramatic & Violent Home Invasion Reported in Berry Forrest in Armuchee >> RNT
- This is the second home invasion in this area since last September when a female victim was tied up before the suspect fled the scene & died
in a high speed chase. See the exclusive in-car police video showing the complete high speed chase from 27N at the loop straight into downtown
on Broad St ending in a dramatic rollover on South Broad St. >> VIDEO
- NOTE: TRY INTERNET EXPLORER OR FIREFOX IF VIDEO DOES NOT PLAY IN GOOGLE's CHROME BROWSER.
By the way, RNT knew details about this Wednesday night & held it from you on their internet platforms until late Thursday morning as they
typically do to sell papers the next day. The following statement referring to their print deadline supports this. "The suspects were still
being processed as of deadline late Wednesday...". Deadline? There's no such thing as a deadline when you also have a website. Wouldn't you
have wanted to know as soon as possible that 4 dangerous home invasion suspects were still on the loose? RNT has also held info about armed
robbery suspects being loose for the same reason. They don't care, it's all about the money but shouldn't there be some exceptions to making
money, like, the PUBLIC'S SAFETY!
RFN was also notified Wednesday night but was unable to immediately confirm any information.
UPDATEMEDIA RELEASE: Floyd County Police Chief Bill Shiflett, is pleased to announce the
remainder of the Body Cameras purchased by Roger & Diane Manis, co-owners of Scott Logistics Corp, have been delivered to members of FCPD.
Several months ago, the Manis Family donated $25K to purchase 62 body cameras. Due to the high volume of camera requests the department was
only able to receive half of the gear. However, each uniform officer is now equipped with the cameras & are being utilized by every officer.
The cameras are a very important tool in capturing events in real time that actually demonstrates what takes place with every incident the
officer is confronted with. We certainly appreciate the donation made by the Manis Family & their willingness to assist our officers with their
daily duties.
UPDATE 8.5.15 >> Outside Lawfirm to Investigate Member. The Professional Standards
Commission will not investigate the complaint from a former resigned employee. The request was sent back to the local staff to look further
into the allegations. See the detailed allegations issued by a resigned BOE employee along with bonus info listing prohibited conflicts of
interest for board members not posted elsewhere. NOTE: Only one line was removed by the source because it described an
"inappropriate relationship" & this is the FULL statement which was not included in RNT's report that RFN linked to earlier. Resigned FBOE
Employee Under Investigation Names Current High Level Members in Ethics Complaint & FBOE releases response blasting recent claims >> DETAILS
GE Continues Cleanup of PCB Contaminated Soil in Little Dry Creek Bed Between John Davenport Dr & Martha Berry Blvd >> RNT
$3.9M+ Local Tax Accounting Error to Cost Local Projects after Required Payback >> DETAILS
MEDIA RELEASE: Following a near-drowning incident that occurred Monday afternoon at the Northside Swim Center Pool, RFPRA officials
express immense concern & will be investigating the incident further. "We are still gathering all the facts at this time,” said Interim
Director Wendy Reid. “As a mother I can’t imagine the fear the child & the family felt. Our thoughts & prayers are with the child, the family &
everyone who was present.” Program Coordinator Shawn Schumacher, who oversees the Northside Swim Center, said at the time of the incident three
lifeguards were on deck surveying the pool when they saw the unresponsive child on the surface. The child was immediately moved to land where
lifeguards administered CPR. Lifeguards were still performing life-saving techniques by the time authorities arrived. RFPRA’s top priority is
the safety of its patrons. All RFPRA lifeguards are certified through the American Red Cross & undergo a standard interview process. RFPRA seeks
to hire experienced lifeguards for the Northside Swim Center. RFN EARLIER >> Monday afternoon, emergency crews responded to the city
pool on Kingston Ave in N Rome to the possible drowning of an 7 yr old boy. CPR was in progress prior to the arrival of first responders. An
RFPRA official later confirmed to RFN that 3 Red Cross certified lifeguards were on duty at the time of this incident. The boy was transported
for treatment within 10 minutes with condition unknown. Check back for updates.
FYi "Sleep tight", huh? Well, if you slept tight on that advice, you weren't sleeping safe
because the Cobb County murder suspect believed to be in Polk County a few days ago was recently caught in . . . . . Polk County. Although,
your local newspaper, RNT, dispensed its unsolicited advice for you to "sleep tight" because the danger was gone. That's right, RNT's last FB
update said, "Sheriff says the fugitive is likely long gone from Polk County. Sleep tight." This is typical headline wording indicative of the
teen club intern type that they let run their news platforms after hours while twisting their hair & popping their gum while constantly
checking their facey spaces & tweety pages.
RCPD Charges Man for Lying About Shooting Suspect's ID in Downtown Shooting Fatality >> RNT
Floyd Sheriff Tim Burkhalter & Chief
Deputy Tom Caldwell both confirmed to RFN that they had no plans to issue tablets to Floyd jail inmates as Fulton County inmates will be during
a pilot program trial period as reported by >> WSB
FYi In addition to the Floyd DA's recent comments about how some court attendees should not
dress like a "hoochie", in a statement to RFN, an FCSO official also reminds citizens to not attempt to bring banned items such as weapons or
electronic devices past the security checkpoint. After a recent incident where an unconfirmed object was found on someone upstairs, if you
haven't visited in a while, you can now expect to have your belt, if applicable, completely removed at the entrance to check for any banned
items that could be clipped on the outside or concealed on the inside of it. RFN is waiting for final word as to what the object was that was
discovered >> RNT
RNT has posted an available position for a new Sports Editor on a news employment website. RNT's other biggest fan, Hometown Headlines, is
reporting that RNT insiders have hinted that the current sports editor, Jim Alred, is leaving the paper only a 1.5 yrs after being "promoted",
more like inheriting, the position after the previous editor left for more money and better working conditions. This is probably due to the
fact that after the recent new owners voided all previous contracts and realized that Alred was making way too much money prior to the takeover
when his lavishly spending buddies were in charge or they concluded that because of his rather empty resume in the field of professional video
production for multimedia content was not worth his cost to the company. Mr Alred really thinks alot of himself as most of them do. See video
clips to see for yourself >> RNT INTERNAL VIDEO
& here's the >> JOB POST
& >> MORE
Theft Victim Reports $42K of Items Stolen from Truck in Store's Lot >> RNT
Several Units in Downtown Highrise to Undergo Bed Bug Removal >> RNT
UPDATE The second suspect was arrested Tuesday >> RNT
- EARLIER >> FCPD Seeking Additional Female Suspect >> DETAILS
- Late Monday afternoon. FCPD Maj Mark Wallace confirmed to RFN that there was a reported armed robbery at a pharmacy in the 300 block of
Burlington Rd in north Floyd. The suspect was described as wearing black clothing. A suspect has been arrested >> RNT
At 2:45 in the morning of 6.12.15, about 30 people showed up to watch the arrival of an immense rotor on a very long articulated flatbed trailer assembly
along with a number of escort vehicles at the GE plant entrance on Redmond Cir in W Rome. The trip ended after a slow, arduous crawl from South
Carolina. GDOT warned that traffic would be affected & as usual, all the rubber stamp, copy & paste local media didn't use common sense when
posting the info downplaying the traffic concern for Floyd & Rome because that part of the journey would happen when there is NO TRAFFIC in
sight & there was not. Other than that typical oversight, it is an interesting piece of machinery considering its size. The arrival of this
unusual item revived an old discovery noted a few years ago on RFN. Does Rome have its own Area 51? Well, maybe not militarily, but for the
last several years the ENTIRE corner block tract of land along the four lane corridor at GE in W Rome was blurred out 360° on Google Map's
street view from Lavendar Dr to West Butler St. However, the aerial view was never obscured & a quick check since then reveals that the street
view imagery has been restored. It really makes you wonder what may have been stored there in the past.
FYiMEDIA RELEASE: Floyd County Sheriff’s Office Provides Safe Exchange Zone - The FCSO has
designated a number of parking spaces at the jail facility located at 2526 New Calhoun Road as a "safe exchange zone" for online transactions
& custodial exchanges. With the number of anonymous, online initiated transactions increasing, the sheriff’s office has responded by offering
these designated spaces in the hopes of deterring crime. According to Sheriff Burkhalter, “Our Safe Exchange Zone is designed to protect our
citizens from becoming victims of robberies, thefts & scams associated with online transaction sites such as Craigslist & E-bay. These areas
will also allow parents to have a safe location to exchange children per custodial agreements or court orders & when possible, we highly
recommend that citizens not make these transactions alone.” Transactions may take place 24 hours, 7 days a week in the main parking lot across
from visitation. The zone is clearly marked with a “Safe Exchange Zone” sign. The lot is well lit & monitored by cameras, however; deputies &
employees are not available to participate as official witnesses, give legal advice or settle disputes. Individuals may not buy or sell weapons,
drugs or drug paraphernalia in the safe exchange zone. The FCSO’s Safe Exchange Zone has been registered as a national Safe Deal Zone at
www.safedeal.zone
MEDIA RELEASE: FCPD has arrested 31 yr old >> Ronald Thomas Tutton Jr
(4th down on page 2 in June 8th report) of Dallas, Ga in reference to an MVA on Rockmart Hwy 101 near Shiflett Rd. The accident, which occurred Sunday evening just after 6P, involved a Ford Ranger
& a motorcycle. Tutton was arrested & charged with Driving While Suspended & leaving the scene of an accident. Additional charges are pending
as the investigation continues. The name of the driver of the motorcycle is not being released at this time but has been transferred to
Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga. FCPD is asking if there are any witnesses or anyone with additional information to please call 706.235.7766.
RFN >> Early Sunday evening, RFD rescue, EMS & FCPD responded to a truck vs motorcycle MVA hit & run collision causing serious head injuries to
the motorcycle rider after he & parts of the bike tumbled down what was described as a 20 ft embankment on Rockmart Hwy (101) at Shiflett Rd
near the county line in southern Floyd. The white male driver of the truck that hit the rider was in what was described as a gold or silver
2-door truck & may have been spotted at a nearby mini-mart store within 10 mins of the search's start. Check back for updates.
MEDIA RELEASE: Just after noon Saturday, FCPD Maj Mark Wallace confirmed to RFN that there was a non-fatal shooting later revealed to be in
the 60 block of Pearson Rd off Huffaker Rd in western Floyd. The victim is identified as 31 yr old Samantha Rodriguez & the shooter is 50 yr
old Diane Michelle Cox who was taken into custody & charged with Aggravated Assault for shooting Rodriguez with a .22 caliber pistol. RFN >>
1-2 hrs later, the situation at the Pearson Rd incident heated up a bit prompting an on-scene FCPD investigator to mention the need for
additional units if it got any worse. No further info was available as the investigation continues. Check back for updates.
UPDATE RCPD has confirmed that the 'person of interest' in the recently circulated sketch
& other real pics (see below) related to the recent downtown shooting death sent out on Thursday has been identified. RCPD Capt Mark Tison told
RFN that he could not confirm if this person was still an active suspect but that all possibilities were being investigated. Check back for
updates.
If it's not being surprised by bears, beavers, possums, racoons & snakes, it's being ambushed & assaulted by thugs on the walking trail by the
river downtown. A walker was recently stabbed & robbed on the trail near the library downtown >> RNT
UPDATE>> CLUB IMAGE 1
| >> CLUB IMAGE 2
- RCPD is seeking assistance in identifying a person of interest in the 5.24.15 murder of Tavious Floyd. We are specifically asking for any
information as to the identity of the male wearing the gray zip up hoodie. He is shown on the far right of the images. We are also seeking any
video or still images that were taken at The Peach nightclub that may assist our investigation. We are specifically interested in video or
images taken between 5.23.15 at 11P & 5.24.15 at 1:50A. Anyone with information regarding this investigation may call 706.238.5111. Information
may also be submitted anonymously through the Crime Line at 706.236.5000 or through the RomeFloyd.com website. Follow the links to the Rome
Police Department, Anonymous Tip Line. See more backstory info below.
Early Tuesday evening, emergency crews responded to an MVA rollover with injuries in the 800 block of Horseleg Creek Rd between Green View Rd
& Featherston Rd after a car left the elevated road into a low lying pasture when the driver reached for a phone inside the car >> IMAGE 1
| >> IMAGE 2
| >> IMAGE 3
| >> IMAGE 4
>> ANNUAL REPORT (.PDF)
- MEDIA RELEASE: Sheriff Tim Burkhalter is pleased to announce that the 2014 ANNUAL REPORT has officially been released and can be viewed at
the link above. The Annual Report is a tool that the Sheriff uses to provide information to the citizens of Floyd County. This report reflects
the day to day functions and cost for operating a county jail, maintaining courthouse security & providing law enforcement & warrant service.
In addition the Sheriff is able to provide insight into problem resolution, address proactive processes & community involvement. The website
provides an overview of all the things that the Sheriff & his staff undertake on a daily basis as well as a public platform to recognize the
successes of many of our dedicated employees. Past reports dating back to 2008 can be viewed at FloydSheriff.com & are located at the Forms &
Reports menu link.
UPDATE>> FORENSIC SKETCH
- MEDIA RELEASE: RCPD is requesting your assistance in identifying a suspect in a recent homicide.
The victim, Travious Floyd, was shot on West 5th Ave. at approximately 1:45 AM on May 24, 2015. The suspect got out of a late model, black Dodge
Challenger RT with light colored stripes. He fired several shots at a crowd of subjects. The victim was struck by the gunfire and died from his
wounds.
According to witnesses, the suspect was on stage with Bandit Gang Marco during a performance at “The Peach”, in Rome GA just prior to the shooting.
The suspect is described as a black male, 20-25 yrs old, 5'7" to 5'10" tall with a muscular build. The suspect is believed to be from the Metro
Atlanta area.
Anyone with information as to the identity of the suspect in the murder of Travious Floyd is urged to contact the Rome Police Department at
706.238.5111. SCROLL DOWN FOR THE RFN BACKSTORY
FBOE Questions Methods & Results of Ga Assoc of Educators Survey >> DETAILS
Early Sunday morning, RFD rescue, EMS & FCPD responded to an MVA rollover near Woodlawn Baptist Church in the 1600 block of 411 that later
resulted in a fatality. The 19 yr old male driver is a Floyd county resident & the cause of the accident was not immediately known.
SCROLL DOWN FOR ALL RELATED BACKSTORY INFO - FCPD COMMENDATION LETTER >> This letter of Commendation is for Officers of the Floyd County Police
Department PFC Chad Matthews & PFC Donald Holbrook, Cave Spring Officer David Allen & GSP Troopers Jeremy Battle & Justin Henderson. On the
evening of May 28, 2015 at approximately 8:20P, 911 dispatched a call to 1560 Foster's Mill Rd regarding a female advising that she had been
shot & that her daughter was shot & possibly deceased. At approximately 8:30P, the above officers arrived on scene. A short time later, I
arrived on scene & witnessed FCPD Officer Donald Holbrook position himself beside the residence for cover as FCPD Officer Chad Matthews, CSPD
Officer David Allen, Troopers Jeremy Battle & Justin Henderson approached the residence unaware of the location of the gunman. The above listed
officers placed themselves in harm's way realizing the need to remove the victim, who had been shot twice in the chest, to a safer location to
receive medical treatment. The actions taken by these officers prevented the loss of victim, Beverly Broach at the scene. She was able to be
removed by Redmond EMS Medic 16 & be transported to a local hospital where she underwent surgery & is recovering from her wounds. - FCPD Capt
Gary Conway
UPDATE 8 The Coosa shooting suspect was taken into custody after surfacing at a Cartersville
hospital believed to be sometime between 1A & 2A with condition unknown. Floyd 911 traffic indicated that the BOLO vehicle was found in a nearby
Goodwill center's lot.
FCPD MEDIA RELEASE: SEE ARREST IMAGE BELOW - A Floyd County man has been charged with the death of one woman & serious injury of another
following a report of multiple shots fired at a home on Foster's Mill Rd Thursday night. Dewayne David Tanner, 45, has been charged with murder,
two counts of aggravated battery, two counts of aggravated assault & possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime as a result of a
domestic altercation that occurred around 8:17P on 5.28.15. FCPD responded to 1560 Fosters Mill Rd on this date following a call to 911 by one
of the victims. When officers arrived, they identified the 911 caller, who was still alive, & one other person lying on the property near one
of several houses. The names of the victims are pending notification of family by authorities. The Rome-Floyd SWAT team was notified because it
was believed that Tanner was likely hiding on the property, which is located in rural Floyd County near Morton Bend Rd. Following an exhaustive
search of the area, the suspect was later discovered while seeking medical attention at Cartersville Medical Center. Tanner was arrested
without incident & transported to the Floyd County Jail. Scroll down for RFN's report.
RFN REPORT >> Early Thursday night, multiple FCPD units, SWAT, Cave Spring Police, GSP & assisting agencies responded to a double shooting
with at least one fatality reported in the 1500 block of Foster's Mill Rd in Coosa. A mother, Beverly Broach, stated that herself & her
daughter had been shot & that her daughter, Stephanie Tanner, was believed to be deceased & lying in the front yard. The mother was quickly
transported from the scene with severe bleeding but the daughter was confirmed deceased at the scene. Although unconfirmed, the shooter was
also believed to have shot himself with his condition unknown but remained on the run indefinitely. The 45 yr old suspect, Dewayne Tanner, was
known to have access to an AR-15 assault rifle with over 6000 rounds along with another .40 caliber gun & was said to be driving a 2009
midnight-blue Lexus. Security at the hospital treating the mother was put on alert in case the shooter tried to "finish her off". FCPD also
requested a GSP helicopter with night vision to assist in the search. Traffic was blocked for quite a while even preventing emergency crews
from entering the unsecure crime scene as SWAT & many other officers searched the area for the suspect before the scene was determined safe to
enter. It should be noted that a few first responders to the shootings in Coosa, as noted in the commendation above, risked their lives by quickly
accessing a house to evacuate the seriously injured female to safety to be transported to the hospital even though not knowing if the shooter
was still on-scene. Please share this information & as always, well done & thanks to first responders with the law & emergency services crews
everywhere.
UPDATESCROLL DOWN FOR NEW FCPD MEDIA RELEASE(2:50A) RCPD units responded to a fight at room 128 at the Royal Inn on Martha
Berry Blvd with a male stating that another male was pointing a gun at him. By the time police arrived, the suspect had fled down McDonald St
in a silver car, described as an Infinity out of Summerville, which was spotted by an RCPD unit on Shorter Ave shortly after their arrival. The
RCPD unit attempted to stop the car on Shorter Ave as it traveled west but the suspect increased speed & weaved into other lanes. FCPD supervisor
Capt Carl Lively then joined & took over the chase reaching speeds of 120 MPH outbound on 20W. Within 15 minutes, the suspect did a dramatic
U-turn near Hwy 100S driving in the opposite lanes then lost control resulting in a slight collision with a Jeep exiting Inland Container. His
car also clipped some power pole support wires on 20W bringing down power lines onto 20W. 911 radio traffic indicated that as police approached
the car, a fire had begun & the suspect had apparently fatally shot himself. The coroner along with investigators & the GBI were called to the
scene. No other injuries were reported. Check back for updates.
FCPD MEDIA RELEASE: On 5.28.15, members of RCPD were dispatched to 1201 Martha Berry Highway in reference to a man with a gun. While at the
scene Rome Police Officers received information that a person had pointed a gun at another. As a result of the information received, RCPD
gave a lookout to all officers for a subject named Darrius Campbell & the type of vehicle he was driving.
A short time later RCPD observed the vehicle & attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle fled from RCPD on Shorter Ave heading
west toward Alabama. Once the RCPD officer left the city limits, FCPD Capt Carl Lively took over the pursuit. The fleeing vehicle reached
speeds up to 120 MPH. After several miles of the pursuit, the suspect lost control of his vehicle then turned around heading back east in the
west bound traffic lane.
When the suspect vehicle came upon the Mays Bridge Rd intersection, the vehicle struck a jeep then veered off the roadway running into a wooded
area striking power lines & knocking them to the ground. The suspect vehicle came to rest in the front yard of a vacant house.
Capt Lively, immediately ran to the suspect, however could not see inside the vehicle because of the tinted windows & damage to the car when it
wrecked. As Capt Lively was standing in the front of the vehicle he heard one muffled gunshot from inside the vehicle.
RCPD Officers & Captain Lively both gave verbal command to the suspect, but with no response. Due to the vehicle doors being locked, officers
had to break the rear windows of the vehicle to gain entry because the vehicle was beginning to catch on fire & officers needed to verify the
welfare of the suspect.
Once inside the vehicle, officers determined the suspect had an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound & a small caliber handgun was located
inside the car as well. Medical personnel & the coroner were dispatched to the scene to assist.
At this point, FCPD requested the GBI to investigate this incident. The scene was secured by on-scene personnel until the arrival of agents
from the GBI.
Late Tuesday night, a shooting was reported in the 300 block of Strand St between E 15th & 16th Sts in South Rome. A victim was reported to be
lying in the front yard with a gunshot wound to the leg. Check back for updates.
Late Tuesday night, a manhunt for a black male with dreadlocks was underway after a brief, low speed chase with a small motorcycle inbound on
20W that ended near the movie theater in W Rome. The suspect was last seen running into the woods towards the Blankenship Pl & Coker Dr area
with unknown offense(s).
Very early Sunday morning, more shots were fired after an earlier incident late
Saturday night, see below. This time, it was near a club in the 400 block of Broad St downtown & one male victim was confirmed dead from being
shot. First responders reported that pepper spray had also been deployed & requested an upgraded response from EMS for at least one female that
was on the ground, unresponsive with visible blood. It was not immediately known if police, security or a civilian did the spraying or if the
female was sprayed or how she was injured. A black Ford Mustang was being investigated at the scene for any relation to shell casings that were
found. Two people later showed up in a local ER with pepper spray burns. A unit still on the scene about 2 hrs later called for assistance with
a normal response because a growing, but calm, crowd was forming & getting "antsy" wanting answers about what had happened. Check back for
updates.
Shortly before midnight Saturday, RCPD responded to shots fired reported in the area
of Dodd Blvd in E Rome. A PT Cruiser, with suspect(s) that fled the scene, was badly wrecked on nearby Callier Springs Rd but it was not
immediately known if any occupants were at that wreck scene when police arrived. Police were also focusing on the J building in a Dodd Blvd
apartment complex for more info. So far, no injuries are known of or have been reported. Check back for updates.
Former Local Insurance Agent Allegedly Stole Insurance Premium Money >> RNT
>> CHRIS PRUITT CHARGES
| >> ROBIN LOVELESS CHARGES
- See page 2 of Friday's jail report for pics >> HERE
- Early Thursday afternoon, a black Nissan Maxima listed in an earlier lookout was spotted & engaged for a stop. The driver took off prompting multiple
FCPD units & assisting agencies to chase the car in eastern & southern Floyd open & backroads with various speeds & wreckless driving for
almost 30 minutes. The car was eventually stopped on Pleasant Valley & Christopher Pruitt of Huffaker Rd & Robin Loveless of Pleasant Hope Rd.
Why the driver ran was not immediately available.
UPDATE Maj Mark Wallace confirmed the following to RFN in this FCPD MEDIA RELEASE:
As a result of the Floyd Board of Education investigation, numerous people have been identified as conspirators within the criminal enterprise.
Arrests are forthcoming & we fully expect multiple persons to face criminal charges. Due to the complexity of the case & the vast amount of
information & financial documents to be examined, we are not prepared to provide a more precise timeline for the date of the arrests. - Scroll
down for the module with more recent info about this ongoing investigation.
Just after midnight Sunday, a bear was spotted by 4 people in the 300 block of Forsyth St in N Rome. Several city police units cruised through
the area within minutes but no new sightings were reported. Other bear sightings have also been reported off of nearby Kingston Ave in the past.
Then, late Monday night, another bear sighting was reported, this time in the Summerville Park area. The bear was spotted near Martha Berry at
Charlton Rd & last known to be traveling west on Charlton Rd in W Rome.
View video below of another medium sized black bear was seen a couple of yrs ago by 911 employees wandering by the law enforcement center downtown.
(scroll below image for more text info) >>
While being monitored by police the whole time, the bear moved down the sidewalk by the river toward the library. The wooded
area at the corner of Turner McCall at Riverside was monitored by police for about 1.5 hours when a few walkers spotted the
bear emerging near the guard rail but he disappeared again after a couple of minutes. DNR was on the scene ready to dart the
bear if necessary but about 10 minutes later he reappeared and made a run for it across Turner McCall through a coffee shop's
parking lot, across Riverside Pkwy and into the woods behind the old duck pond.
(scroll down) >>
Shorter Ave Car Dealer Raided for Alleged Tax Fraud >> RNT
- WSB TV Channel 2 (AKA: State TV) from Atlanta must have used a time machine to make the 1.5 hr trip to Rome just in time to "ride" with police
& get "exclusive" records seizure footage for their afternoon reports & liveshot hits OR they were possibly tipped off by someone that knew
this was going to happen. The last time WSB was tipped off about a police operation during a raid of multiple stores for illegal gambling about
2 yrs ago was by a former fired (for other reasons) Floyd Sheriff's deputy, see info about that at the currently featured FIRED FLOYD SHERIFF'S
DEPUTY story above.
Police Warn of Residential Stalking Armed Robberies After Dark Since Recent Bold
Saddle Mt Area Incident >> RNT
Floyd Sheriff Proposes Budget Fundraising Debate with Commissioners >> RNT
UPDATE17 NEW NAMES & VARIOUS BUSINESS ENTITIES ADDED TO GROWING INVESTIGATION>> DETAILS
- NEW DETAILED COURT DOCS SHOW NEARLY $1M IN ASSETS - NEW PURCHASING RULES ENACTED / FBOE OFFICIALS ANNOUNCE INTERNAL CHANGES - Court documents filed & obtained by RFN indicate that state officials have frozen two more real
estate assets belonging to DSR Properties LLC operated by recently resigned Floyd Schools employee, Derry Scott Richardson. This comes after
FBOE notified police about a number of suspicious purchases prompting an extensive investigation after five employees immediately exited.
Richardson was also found to have moved $30K from a personal account after another property in Summerville was seized by authorities earlier.
Commissioners Questioning Unapproved Work at the Jail >> RNT
Rome's First Police Dog Honored & Memorialized >> RNT
>> FIRE IMAGE
- Very early Saturday morning, multiple RFD units responded to a large fire that eventually spread to at least six structures at Garrett
Salvage on 20W near Barker Rd in W Rome. The road was blocked by police on 20W until later in the morning & possibly early afternoon. Check
back for updates.
RCPD Assisting Teen Safe Driving Course >> DETAILS
UPDATE
A judge has reduced the prison time of Mario Armas after an extensive investigation into criminal activity years ago prompting an auction of
assets. Mrs Armas gave RFN exclusive access to her home to produce a personal video tour given by her before select contents were auctioned.
The video tour visits each room while Mrs Armas describes select pieces that were available at the auction. Click here
to view the entire home tour video. For new info about the reduced prison time for Armas, click >> RNT BACKSTORY
Late Sunday afternoon, RCPD responded to a reported armed robbery at an address on Benvenue Dr off E 8th St near the St Mary's School. The
responding RCPD officer, Coleman White, confirmed to RFN that a man working at the house while the residents were away was accosted at gunpoint
by a black male who forced the worker into his own truck & had him drive across T McCall onto O'neill St behind a pet store. He then demanded
the worker's wallet, took $300 from it then fled the scene on foot & had not been caught at the time of this report. The suspect was wearing a
black hat & gray shirt with a red bird on the front. Another RCPD official stated that depending on what investigators discover, abduction or
kidnapping charges could possibly be applied to the charges.
Mid Saturday morning, a Floyd 911 official confirmed to RFN that RCPD, EMS & RFD rescue responded to the 5th Ave bridge downtown after a male
threatened to jump while perched at the base of a light pole. RCPD's Ken Phillips carefully approached & managed to establish communication
with the stressed man for about 4 hrs until he became fatigued & decided to climb back over the rail to safety. The bridge was closed to
isolate & talk to the man without distractions from traffic. He was transported to a medical center for further assessment >> RNT BACKSTORY
Floyd BOE official, Tim Hensley, confirmed to RFN that an old fire truck was donated to the BOE by the last owners of the Lindale Mill years
ago but no use was ever found for it by the school system. RFD Chief Troy Brock told RFN that he had seen the truck parked outside at the BOE
facility for the last several weeks & that it had been looked at for any possible useful parts but no use was found. Hensley also stated that
at least one person had inquired about buying it but that was all so far. He also said it will be posted for sale on a government sale website
used to sell surplus school system items & there is a link to that site on the BOE's homepage at floydboe.net
FYiMEDIA RELEASE: In cooperation with a local center for independent living & to help raise awareness
about the importance of handicapped parking, beginning May 4th through the 18th, RCPD will be increasing enforcement of handicap parking violations
throughout the city. The maximum penalty per Georgia state law for a violation of handicapped parking space is $500 & the illegally parked
vehicle can be subject to removal by tow truck at the owner’s expense. Failure to display the required handicapped accessible parking placard
may result in a citation being issued. Additionally, illegal use of handicapped license tags or placards can also be a violation of the law.
MEDIA RELEASE: The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office wishes to announce the resignation of Deputy Chris Snyder, effective May 18, 2015. Deputy
Snyder has accepted a job offer from neighboring Walker County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy. Deputy Snyder is a 4+ year veteran of the FCSO,
where he began work as a jailer and was promoted to Deputy after completing the Peace Officer Standards and Training mandate course. Deputy
Snyder is a veteran of the War in Iraq, where he served 3 tours with the Second Marine Division. Deputy Snyder is currently assigned to the
Field Operations Division, warrants office where he has served for the last 16 months in an exemplary fashion with no disciplinary actions in
his personnel jacket. Deputy Snyder is married with 4 children.
“It’s always good to see our friends and colleagues do well but it is sad to see them go.” Sheriff Tim Burkhalter stated upon receiving the
letter of resignation. Surrounding Law Enforcement agencies routinely hire veteran Deputies from the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff
Burkhalter also stated that, “It is hard to keep good personnel when everyone else is paying more, assigning full time vehicles or providing
better benefits.”
Sheriff Burkhalter and the staff of the Sheriff’s Office wish Deputy Snyder the best in all of his future endeavors.
NOTE: The other local news source is mentioned more for context & not necessarily
criticism, this time. A local news source reported that a gun was recovered from a student at West Central
Elementary on Monday. In the news report, it was described by the student as being a toy cap gun with no further details. RFN then contacted
RCPD for more info & was surprised to find that it was actually a real gun & not a toy. The gun was not loaded & the caliber was not disclosed.
RFN did not read the actual police report so it's not clear if the fact that it was a real gun was not disclosed or if it was simply overlooked
by RNT. What is more interesting is why after almost 48 hrs, RNT did not or has yet to post this on their FB page which has 29K followers & is
at least twice as many viewers than their print subs so more parents would know about it. Not everybody reads RNT's paper or their website but
don't you think info like this should be posted on every platform that they offer. RNT is known for holding info from their free platforms to
sell as many print copies as possible but this is probably not the best kind of info to be holding. For backstory info about the incident,
click >> RNT
UPDATE Former FBOE Employee's Hearing for Sudden Large Financial Withdrawal Cancelled >> RNT
UPDATEMEDIA RELEASE: The Coroner was notified today, April 25, 2015, shortly after noon
by Dr. Sandra Thomas, MD, Associate Medical Examiner, GBI Division of Forensic Science, that the body that was found on 3.27.15, off Everwood
Court in Floyd County, is that of Ashley Nycole Jones. Identification was facilitated by dental records obtained from a local oral & facial
surgery practice upon information given to this office by her family. The cause & manner of death are still pending the results of toxicological
& histological testing.
If you've driven by the Turner McCall, Martha Berry, 2nd Ave intersection in the last few days, you may have been subliminally aware that
something wasn't the same about the view in the sky but not quite sure what was missing. The familiar giant billboard sign that once filled the
view there has been dismantled to make way for a new intersection.
UPDATE An FCPD official confirmed to RFN that the loud explosion heard & felt around 4P on Wednesday in the Midtown, South Rome & Horseleg Creek area
was produced by explosives detonated to remove a large boulder from a hillside on Blacks Bluff Rd. A low frequency thud was felt in the ground
& windows shook. Then later Wednesday night, RFD Battalion Chief Phil Litton confirmed to RFN that the location of another powerful explosion
came from McBurnett Rd off Preacher Smith Rd & was being detonated for fun by a group of young adults. The material being used at the second
location is called tannerite & according to Litton, is legally & commonly available to the public. This explosive material is a binary compound
requiring two separate components to be mixed before it is ignited by an impact from a remote source such as a bullet usually used in target
practice for added effect.
City of Rome MEDIA RELEASE — Early in 2014, certain irregularities, within the City of Rome Building Inspection Department, were brought
to the attention of the City of Rome management. As a result, RCPD began investigating allegations of theft. When the improprieties were
discovered in early 2014, policy changes were implemented within the Building Inspection Department such as the permit issuance process, revised
cash handling policy, dual deposit review, & the installation of security cameras. Based on the nature of the allegations, the assistance of a
Forensic Accountant with the GBI was requested. The GBI has concluded its investigation & informed RCPD that the documentation supports the
allegation that more than $121,000 of City of Rome funds were converted to personal use. The Rome Floyd County Building Inspection Department
serves all of Rome & Floyd County by providing building inspection & code enforcement services. The City of Rome refers all questions regarding
the criminal prosecution to the District Attorney’s Office.
EARLIER >> RCPD MEDIA RELEASE: RCPD has made an arrest of a former City of Rome Building Inspections Department employee. In February of 2014,
RCPD began investigating allegations of theft from the City of Rome Building Inspection Department. Due to the large amount of records to be
analyzed, the services of a Forensic Accountant with the GBI were requested. At the conclusion of the investigation, it was determined that
former City of Rome Building Inspection employee, Deanna Dennis-Fain, converted more than $121,000 of City of Rome funds to her own use. On
4.22.15, with the assistance of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, she was taken into custody & charged with one count of felony theft by
conversion. The investigation is ongoing & no additional information will be disseminated at this time.
Early Tuesday night, EMS, RFD rescue & FCPD reponded to a collision between a vehicle & two people that were riding horses with several others
in the 300 block of Pleasant Valley Rd off of Rockmart Hwy 101 in southern Floyd. An RFD official confirmed to RFN that at least one of the
riders was transported for treatment but the extent of injuries to either was not available. A vet was called to the scene to assess the
condition of the horses which were said to be injured beyond rehabilitation. Check back for updates.
MEDIA RELEASE: The offices of the Rome City Manager & the Floyd County Manager are pleased to announce Troy Brock has been selected as the new
Chief of the Rome Fire Department to succeed Gordon Henderson. Brock, a 25 yr veteran of the department, currently serves as Interim Chief &
Division Chief over operations. Brock was selected from a field of six internal candidates who presented before an interview panel consisting
of Assistant City Manager Patrick Eidson, Human Resources Director Rita Odom, County Manager Jamie McCord and City Manager Sammy Rich.
Brock started with the Rome Fire Department in 1990 & has advanced through the ranks having served as a supervisor since 1995. Brock is a 1987
graduate of East Rome High School & holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Fire Science as well as numerous certifications.
“He certainly has the educational background & practical hands on experience that we need to continue the positive momentum in our Fire
Department,” said Sammy Rich. “Brock is well respected amongst the department & has served as the incident commander at several large scale
emergency events over the years.” Rich will present Brock to the Rome City Commission for confirmation of his appointment at the April 27,
2015 commission meeting.
The Rome Fire Department is a joint city-county funded department & serves all of Rome & Floyd County with ten stations and 162 personnel. For
more information regarding the Fire Chief, please contact Rita Odom at 706.236.4430 or rodom@romega.us - For additional information visit,
www.romefloyd.com
MEDIA RELEASE: The investigative division of FCPD is searching for information about a man who was found unconscious on the side of the
road in Armuchee Saturday. Responding officers were able to quickly to determine the man’s identity using a portable finger print scanner.
Police have ID'd the man as Nicholas Shropshire, 41, of Chattooga County. The man was found with no identification along a rural county road off
Ga 140 on Saturday around 7P. However, patrol officers utilized a Rapid Mobile ID device that returned a “hit” based on fingerprint data. This
return of information eliminated a critical time delay that previously would have occurred while police worked to make identification. Delays
of this nature are often detrimental to the collection of crucial evidence that may often solve a case, said Sgt. Chris Fincher, an investigator
with the department. FCPD has four of the devices that are valued at $4,000 each. The purchase was made about two years ago through a grant
facilitated by the Georgia Crime Information Center (https://gbi.georgia.gov/georgia-crime-information-center) – a division of the GBI that
maintains access to criminal and driving license files. The grant was facilitated by GCIC through a South Carolina company called Dataworks
Plus (http://www.dataworksplus.com/safid.html), which supplied the agency with the Motorola MC75 devices. The computerized tools are battery
operated and transmit data in the same manner as mobile telephones. The death of Shropshire is currently under investigation. An autopsy is
scheduled for this week by the GBI. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to call Sgt. Chris Fincher at 706.331.8728 - The
department Facebook page is also an accepted means of messaging.
MEDIA RELEASE: Late Friday afternoon, FCPD responded to the area of 581 Wax Rd after a call to 911 reported that a man had been shot at that
location. Police arrived & secured the area & conducted an investigation. Several witnesses identified Avon Trey Grissom, 17, as the person who
shot the victim. Grissom surrendered to Police at the scene. Grissom was charged with one count of Aggravated Assault & booked into the Floyd
Jail. The victim was shot in the leg but the injury did not appear to be life threatening. The name of the victim is being withheld pending
notification of the family.
>> DETAILS
- FBOE OFFICIALS ANNOUNCE INTERNAL CHANGES & NEW PURCHASING RULES ADDED - Court documents filed & obtained by RFN indicate that state officials
have frozen two more real estate assets belonging to DSR Properties LLC operated by recently resigned Floyd Schools employee, Derry Scott
Richardson. This comes after FBOE notified police about a number of suspicious purchases prompting an extensive investigation after five
employees immediately exited. Richardson was also found to have moved $30K from a personal account after another property in Summerville was
seized by authorities earlier.
New Tennis Center to Have Less Courts Than Originally Planned >> RSN
FYE Mr Hometown Headlines Has Whining Meltdown Fit After His Primary Press Release Factory
Shuts Down >> DETAILS
Atlanta Falcons Safety Clinic for Moms at Local School >> RSN
- Also get links to a PBS investigation video about pro & high school football concussions.
MEDIA RELEASE: On 4.9.15 RCPD, along with Officers from the Georgia Department of Pardons & Parole arrested Joseph Jackson for the April 7th
homicide that was committed on Copeland St. He has been charged with murder. The investigation is ongoing & at least one other suspect is being
sought. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Investigator Chris Arrington at 706.238.5126 or 706.238.5111.
Information may also be submitted anonymously through the Rome/Floyd.com website or the Crime Line at 706.236.5000. EARLIER >> RCPD Capt
Paul Greene confirmed to RFN that within the hour before midnight, RCPD, EMS & RFD rescue responded to what was described as drive-by shootings
with at least four shooting victims & one fatality at the scene of a Copeland St address in N Rome. The extent of injuries of the other three
victims & if the shooter was ID'd or caught was not immediately known. Investigators were at the scene for several hours into early morning.
Check back for updates.
FYi The Town Green fountain is now open from 11A to 11P daily throughout the summer.
FCPD & Metro Arrest Man for Holding Teen Girl & More - List of Charges Added >> DETAILS
FCPD Seeking Public's Help for Additional Victims of Jailed Man for Multiple Personal Violent Crimes >> DETAILS
FYi The next time you borrow a vehicle from someone or let someone borrow yours, you may
want to check the following info first. A man recently fled from FCPD in a high speed chase while in a STOLEN vehicle that was not insured & HE
was charged with driving with no insurance. Several other offenses can catch unknowing drivers by surprise when using others' vehicles.
According to an FCPD official, in the state of Ga, did you know that if you operate another person's vehicle & that vehicle is not insured
by the owner, YOU could be charged, fined and/or jailed if stopped or involved in an accident? Additionally, if you operate another person's
vehicle that has an expired tag, YOU can be ticketed as the current operator. And finally, even if you unknowningly allow someone with a
suspended or revoked license to drive your vehicle, YOU could be charged for allowing it.
FCPD High Speed Chase Results in MVA Collision & Rollover after Near Head-on Collision >> VIDEO
Shortly after midnight Sunday morning, FCPD responded to a reported strong-armed robbery at the Kangaroo station on 53N at Burlington Rd in
northern Floyd. The suspect was described as possibly a white male with a dark or dirty complexion & wearing a black hoodie. After taking an
undisclosed amount of money, the suspect fled on foot heading right & towards a nearby trucking company. Check back for updates.
>> UNOFFICIAL FAMILY UPDATE
- See a video report at wsbtv.com - MEDIA RELEASE: Human remains recovered by FCPD on Friday will be examined Tuesday by the crime lab of
Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Around 1P on 3.27.15 police investigators identified remains as being human that were found in the woods near
Everwood Court. The road is located off of Canard Road, which is off Kingston Hwy in northeast Floyd County. Investigators believe there is a
strong possibility that the remains are those of Ashley Jones, a 24 yr old woman who was reported missing by family in early February. The
location of the discovery Friday is within walking distance of the area where Jones was last seen alive. Police will not release details of the
remains or incident until after examination by the state crime lab. EARLIER >> FCPD is investigating the discovery of human remains that
were found early Friday afternoon in a subdivision off of Kingston Highway. Patrol officers identified the location around 1P in a wooded area
off of Everwood Court. Due to the nature of the discovery & unusual location of the remains, crime scene investigators are processing the area.
Investigators are currently unable to confirm the identity or gender of the remains. The coroner has been notified & the remains will be
transported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for further examination.
MEDIA RELEASE: Floyd County Manager Jamie McCord has announced that county clerk, Kathy Arp's employment has ended with Floyd County
Government effective immediately & that Jamie Armstrong will serve as interim county clerk. Check back for any updates.
DNR / EPD Investigating Source of Coosa River Fuel Slick >> RNT
BOLOMEDIA RELEASE: RCPD is actively investigating a hit and run accident involving
a bicyclist who sustained serious/critical injuries. Late Wednesday night at approximately 11:55P, a passerby observed a 56 year old male lying
on the side of Hwy 411 near Callier Springs Rd (inbound), between Walmart & Tractor Supply. He was lying next to a bicycle. This male was
seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle, apparently while riding his bicycle. The vehicle continued on, leaving the injured man on
the side of the road, without reporting the accident or the man’s injured state. The RCPD Selective Enforcement Unit is actively investigating
this hit & run incident & is seeking any information from the public regarding the incident or any suspect/s and/or suspect vehicle. The male
suffered serious & life threatening injuries & is currently in critical condition. Information obtained at the scene leads us to believe that
the vehicle that struck the bicyclist sustained damage to the right front corner area, & may have blue paint transfer on it from the bicycle.
If anyone knows anything about this incident please contact Sgt. Joe Costolnick at 706.238.5138, or any investigator or police officer
immediately. Anonymous information is welcome & can also be left at that number, as well as 706.238.5111. Thanks for your assistance in this
investigation.
ShorterU Head Basketball Coach Announces Departure Just a Week After AD Does the Same >> RSN
Rome Fire Dept to Assess High Number of False Alarms at Downtown Public Housing Highrises >> RNT
ShorterU Athletics Director Announces Departure >> RSN
The arrest of Stevie Lamar Garner at a Jack St address in southern Floyd 3.18.15 came after members of the U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional
Fugitive Task Force developed information as to the whereabouts of Garner. Members of the Fugitive Task Force along with members of the Floyd
Sheriff’s Office Warrant Division, FCPD Criminal Investigators & FCPD Uniform Patrol Officers conducted a search at a residence in Silver Creek
locating Garner. He was arrested without further incident & was booked into the Floyd County Jail on the charge of Murder. The missing 19 yr
old female was also located safe. Check back for updates & see entire backstory below.
BOLO FYi Police Issue Lookout for Person Posing as Officer with Blue Lights Stopping Drivers >> DETAILS
WSBTV Interviews Local Missing
Teen's Worried Mom>> WSB VIDEO
- MEDIA RELEASE: FCPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Barbara Maegan Witt. Miss Witt is described as being a 19 yr old, white female, 5'4", 115 lbs.
She was reported missing by her mother on 3.17.15 & her mother feels that she is in the company of Stevie Lamar Garner, who is being sought in
connection with the March 14th shooting death of Patrick Marcus Wall. Anyone with information about the location of either Miss Witt or Stevie
Lamar Garner is asked to contact the FCPD Criminal Investigation Division at 706.235.7766 or Floyd 911. For the murder suspect's criminal history,
click >> RNT
- Scroll down for the shooting backstory.
MEDIA RELEASE: FCPD officers as well as Georgia State Patrol were dispatched to a location on Drummond Dr to a reported MVA with Injuries. Upon
their arrival, first responders immediately determined that the driver of the vehicle had been shot. The driver was removed from his vehicle by
emergency personnel & transported to FMC. However, the driver, Patrick Marcus Wall, a 21 year old Rome resident, died from the gunshot wound. As
a result of the follow-up investigation conducted by FCPD Criminal Investigation Division, Stevie Lamar Garner (27 Years of age) was identified
as a suspect. A Criminal Arrest Warrant for the charge of Murder has been obtained for Stevie Lamar Garner & FCPD is now on the lookout for him.
Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Mr. Garner is asked to notify the FCPD Criminal Investigation Division by calling 706.235.7766
or Floyd 911. EARLIER >> Early Saturday evening, FCPD, GSP, EMS & RFD rescue responded to a location on Drummond Dr in W Rome because a vehicle
collided into a home. Upon arrival, first responders reported that the driver had apparently been shot. The victim was transported for treatment
& was later pronounced deceased. FCPD CID Maj Mark Wallace stated to RFN that "the victim's injuries were not thought to be consistent with the
crash. It was not immediately known if this was self inflicted or if there was one or more others involved.
Corner Piece of City Hall Roof Falls to Ground >> RNT
>> VIDEO
- Late on the night of 3.6.15, RCPD, EMS & RFD rescue responded to an armed robbery at the BP station at the 411 & Chulio Rd location after the
store's male clerk was stabbed in the neck during the robbery by two black males. Police set up a perimeter in the area of Dodd Blvd near 411
to search for the suspects but after 1.5 hrs the active search ended with no results. The extent of injuries to the clerk was not immediately
known. Check back for updates.
Pepperell High Announces New Head Football Coach >> RSN
Early on the night of 2.27.15, RCPD & nearby FCSO units responded to an armed robbery at Bojangles on Redmond Cir near Lavender Dr in W Rome. RCPD Captain
Paul Greene confirmed to RFN that a black male suspect entered the store through a rear door, demanded money & then struck a male employee with
the gun but did not fire it. The victim was evaluated at the scene with minor injuries & was not transported. The suspect fled on foot west on
Redmond Cir & according to 911 radio traffic, a bag of money was recovered at a nearby location. A manhunt with a wide perimeter searching nearby
neighborhoods was launched & although the suspect was not found, police were able to view security video but some details could not be released
to preserve case integrity. Check back for updates.
UPDATE ShorterU Graduate Issues Class Action Lawsuit After Recent School Records Theft >> RNT
- But still not one word about this or the other related reports has been posted in the daily copy & paste, press release machine's Crock Report
by Rome's "news center", Hometown Headlines. Why is that?
UPDATE>> ARREST IMAGE & CHARGES
- MEDIA RELEASE: On 2.24.15 Emerson Mack Abbott Jr. was arrested & charged with 2 counts of Murder in connection with the 1.23.15 Murder of
James & Myra Reeves of 49 Terhune Rd. The Investigation was conducted by the FCPD Criminal Investigations Division as well as the GBI * the
Intelligence Unit of the GBI (GISAC -The Georgia Information Sharing & Analysis Center). The arrest of Mr. Abbott was made without incident. No
further details of the investigation will be released in order to insure the successful prosecution of this case in court. As a seperate note,
it was also revealed that a shotgun was used in the recent double shooting deaths.
UPDATE Even More Victims Reporting ID Fraud >> RNT
- EARLIER >> New ID Fraud Cases Reported This Week Related to Fall '14 ShorterU Records Theft >> RNT
New Rome High Football Coach to Make Just Under $100K >> RSN
TRAFFIC FYi RCPD is reminding drivers that the 100 block of W 1st St just off of 2nd Ave
between the bridge & Broad St has been redesignated as a one-way direction. You may no longer enter 2nd Ave from this street.
UPDATE MEDIA RELEASE: On 2.11.15, Emerson Mack Abbott Jr. was arrested & charged with Theft
by Deception, Theft by Conversion and Making False Statements & Writings. This arrest follows an investigation into a check purportedly written
by Myra Reeves to Mr. Abbott. At this time this investigation is considered as a dual investigation to the murder of James & Myra Reeves. Due
to the importance and the complexity of this investigation no other information can be released at this time. EARLIER >> Floyd Coroner Barry Henderson confirmed to RFN that the victims found deceased are 69 yr old James Steven Reeves & his wife, 71 yr old Myra
Wilson Reeves. Their bodies were taken to the GBI crime lab for further investigation but there's still no definitive word by police if there
is another person involved that may still be on the loose. Late Friday afternoon, a shooting was reported at 49 Terhune Rd in east Floyd. A
nearby FCSO deputy arrived at the scene with FCPD following a short time later. Within an hour, two FCPD officials confirmed to RFN that there
were two deceased people inside the home. FCPD Chief Bill Shiflett later stated that the incident was being treated as a homicide but that is
not necessarily to be interpreted as if there is anyone else involved right now. Channel 2 reported that an elderly man & woman lived at that
location. FCPD issued the following release early Saturday morning. "FCPD is continuing to investigate the tragic event that occurred on
Friday at a Terhune Road residence. At this time, we can only confirm that this case is being investigated as a Homicide. No other information
as to the status or direction of the investigation will be released nor can we provide confirmation on any facts or inferences involved in this
case". Check back for updates.
MEDIA RELEASE: In January 2015, Floyd County Sheriff Tim Burkhalter requested a budget hearing with the Floyd County Board of Commissioners for the purpose of making budget justifications for long needed additional personnel and equipment from previous year’s requests that have been denied. Sheriff Burkhalter took office 10 years ago and has dealt with the realities of declining revenues negatively affecting his budget and causing concern for overall operations with an increasing demand for services. After the budget hearing with the board of commissioners, Sheriff Burkhalter was notified that his requests for personnel and equipment for his office and the jail had been denied. In addition to a lack of adequate funding for critical staff and replacement fleet vehicles, the salaries for his force has been static as well with only a 1% cost of living increase in 8 years with his deputies and jail officers now among the lowest paid in the Northwest Georgia 9 county area. This creates a serious problem with the retention of qualified staff; increasing the cost to the county to continually process and train new employees that only move out of the county at the first opportunity. Sheriff Burkhalter has repeatedly asked for a re-evaluation of pay scales for all local public safety employees. On February 9, 2015, Sheriff Burkhalter notified County Attorney Tommy Manning, County Manager Jamie McCord and County Commission Chairman Larry Maxey that he was requesting separate counsel be provided to him for the purpose of formally appealing his budget. The Floyd County Commission has failed to adopt a budget making reasonable and adequate provision for the personnel and equipment necessary to enable the sheriff to perform his duties of enforcing the laws and preserving the peace. The purpose of separate counsel is to prevent the county attorney from a conflict of interest in representing the sheriff and the county commission simultaneously. Sheriff Burkhalter hopes to seek injunctive relief through a mandamus action in Floyd Superior Court by Chief Judge Walter J. Matthews.
Floyd Public Works Employee Arrested for Allegedly Providing Items to Prison Inmates >> RNT
As expected, staff reduction has already begun at the bankrupt & recently sold Rome newspaper. Of course, even after successully running RNT
into the ground, RNT's former exiting "executive" will still collect his $10K/month for 20 months ($200K) checks serving as a "consultant". Then
imagine how sweet the financial package must be to have lured the former RNT publisher, Otis Raybon, to abruptly resign in Mississippi & rush
back to Rome after fleeing from RNT back in '13. According to the most boring name in local news & RNT's other biggest fan, Hometown Headlines,
ALL staff has been procedurally terminated with all contracts & past benefits voided & so far, at least two employees are out the door for good.
As for the remaining staff under the new ownership, they should be wary for the axe to swing in their direction in the near future >> HTH
Model Community Fundraiser to Help Student with Cancer >> DETAILS
Floyd Coroner Barry Henderson confirmed to RFN that the victims found deceased are 69 yr old James Steven Reeves & his wife, 71 yr old Myra
Wilson Reeves. Their bodies were taken to the GBI crime lab for further investigation but there's still no definitive word by police if there
is another person involved that may still be on the loose. Late Friday afternoon, a shooting was reported at 49 Terhune Rd in east Floyd. A
nearby FCSO deputy arrived at the scene with FCPD following a short time later. Within an hour, two FCPD officials confirmed to RFN that there
were two deceased people inside the home. FCPD Chief Bill Shiflett later stated that the incident was being treated as a homicide but that is
not necessarily to be interpreted as if there is anyone else involved right now. Channel 2 reported that an elderly man & woman lived at that
location. FCPD issued the following release early Saturday morning. "FCPD is continuing to investigate the tragic event that occurred on
Friday at a Terhune Road residence. At this time, we can only confirm that this case is being investigated as a Homicide. No other information
as to the status or direction of the investigation will be released nor can we provide confirmation on any facts or inferences involved in this
case". Check back for updates.
FYEThe most boring name in local news, Hometown Headlines, may have committed a
local-media-first by warning drivers about a possible active police traffic citation operation. He was not specific about what the law was
doing in the post but he got a response he probably didn't expect by a number of people that had some critical comments about it. As in the
past, in case he deletes the critical comments, RFN has this >> HTH FB COMMENTS SCREENSHOT
- Do you think it was proper for a media source to "report" this type of active police operation? Send RFN an anonymous comment >> HERE
- OR post on RFN's FB page >> HERE
Out of the frying pan & back into the fire. In a surprise twist, former RNT publisher, Otis Raybon, who resigned a while back & fled to
Mississippi to the Daily Leader has resigned from his position there & announced his return to Rome with a "deal he just couldn't refuse". From
RNT, "The Daily Leader of Brookhaven, Mississippi, is reporting that Otis Raybon is returning to Rome for a position at the Rome News-Tribune".
So RNT, how is it that he resigned & already had a deal to work for you & the story in that paper is how you found out about it? Do you really
expect everyone to believe that? Just how did the deal at the Daily Leader link below occur before you "discovered" this & decided to
share it with Floyd County? There seems to be alot of money being thrown around to "executives" for a newspaper that's had ongoing layoffs in
the middle of a long drawn out bankruptcy owing millions to hundreds of creditors who should probably be asking some interesting questions
about all of these pre-sale deals going on >> DAILY LEADER
- BACKSTORY >> RNT's former publisher, Otis Raybon, who resigned amid seemingly endless bankruptcy hearings for the paper has resurfaced at the Mississippi
Daily Leader newspaper after rumors and the appearance of that company's jet was reported to have been spotted at the Rome airport a few times
weeks earlier >> Daily Leader
>> ARREST IMAGES
- MEDIA RELEASE: FCPD has charged three men with a home invasion that occurred Wednesday afternoon on Callier Springs Rd. Ellis Smith Jr (25) & Mario Sullivan (34) both of Stone Mountain as well as Tremaine Smith (30) of
Hillsboro have each been charged with burglary, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, armed robbery, false imprisonment, impersonating a
police officer & kidnapping. The victim was home alone when she heard three men enter her residence by force. The group represented themselves
as being police & demanded she come downstairs to their location. When the victim refused they forced her to a lower level of the residence
where she was tied up. The men used guns & threatened to kill her several times if she refused to tell them where she kept her money. The
intruders fled with cash and several hundred dollar worth of property when they observed police arriving. A short foot chase followed with all
three being apprehended near the home. The Rome City Police Department & Floyd County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the arrests & investigation.
UPDATE 2Even though the sale has to be approved by a judge in the near future, RNT boss,
Burgett Mooney III, sent the following e-mail to NPCO employees about the confirmed sale of NPCO's newspaper operations. RFN really likes the
last sentence that states, "I will work hard to make this a good transition for all of us." Yeah, a good transition for his
retirement to the golf course since he will be getting $10K per month for 20 months ($200K) amid past, recent & future layoffs. The current
NPCO staff should prepare for massive restructuring & more layoffs. It's no wonder the former RNT publisher, Otis Raybon, resigned from
embarrassment & fled to another paper in Mississippi so he could run that one into the ground too. See ALL of the RNT buffoons in 12 candid &
arrogant internal RNT videos>> HERE
- NPCO E-MAIL MEMO:"To NPCo Employees: The Times Journal Company, publisher of the Marietta Daily Journal, has won the bid and is
the new owner of News Publishing Company and Cherokee Publishing Company, our Alabama affiliate. A full announcement will be in the RN-T print
edition tomorrow. I think this is a great opportunity for our group of newspapers to continue to serve our counties for a long while. Thank
you for your continued hard work and dedication. I know you each take pride in the communities you serve and it shows in the products we
produce. Thank you again for all of your hard work and dedication. I will work hard to make this a good transition for all of us.">> MDJ REPORT
- EARLIER >> Multiple bidders took interest in the bankrupt RNT's assets but at least one creditor has expressed significant debt
repayment concerns >> HTH
- All this while the current RNT boss is to be paid $10K per month for 20 months ($200K) as a "consultant" by the original out of town buyer if
that sale is successful. The question is, why would a new owner not only take advice from the very person that ran that newspaper into the
ground but also pay them an obscene amount of money for even more bad advice? According to the long history & family friendships with RNT &
MDJ noted in the MDJ report link above, this is nothing short of a buddy-buy with all kinds of built-in benefits for each side. How about that
increased sale from the original $1M+ offer to the final $3M+ bid to shut out the other bidders in the last minute auction guaranteeing the
sale to MDJ. Then there's the unusual confidence of this sale being approved by the judge in the near future along with the $10K per month for
20 months payments ($200K) to be made to the RNT boss as a post-sale consultant>> RECENT BACKSTORY
UPDATEARRESTED SUSPECT ARRIVED IN FLOYD COUNTY ON WEDNESDAY>> ARREST & CHARGES IMAGE
- FCPD Investigator Mary Catherine Parris confirmed that the suspect in the recent Coosa Citgo armed robbery, 25 yr old Toby Lee Tucker, was
taken into custody in Meridian, Mississippi after an estimated 30 mile high speed chase across two counties resulting in a totalled, stolen
truck. Tucker has been charged with the Armed Robbery of the Citgo store in Coosa & was also found to be driving the stolen GMC Sierra truck
that was taken from Floyd County that belongs to the family of an FCPD officer. Tucker is also charged with a felony probation violation.
Details are still emerging. BACKSTORY >>>> SECURITY IMAGES
- Early Sunday afternoon, FCPD responded to an armed robbery at the Citgo station on 20W at Huffaker Rd in Coosa. The suspect was described as
a 6 ft, 175-190 lb, white male probably 25-30 yrs old, wearing a black mask, a dark-topped jacket with a Reebok logo on the back, white stripes
down the sleeves & blue bottom half, blue jeans & dark shoes or boots. He also appeared to have a black eye. He held the clerk & one other
person at gunpoint with a black handgun but did not harm them. He then took several hundred dollars in cash from the store & then fled on foot
heading west.
>> SECURITY VIDEO
- Two early morning armed robberies reported at businesses. FCPD responded to an armed robbery by four suspects at the Kangaroo in the 3000
block of Maple Ave in S Floyd. Then about an hour later, RCPD responded to another armed robbery with three suspects at the Waffle House on
Shorter Ave in W Rome. No injuries were reported at either location but cash was taken from each location. Check back for updates.
FCSO Deputy of Local FOP Surprises
Local Woman & Kids with Christmas Gift >> VIDEO
In an attempt to salvage what's left of its sinking ship
by once again "Jumping the Shark"
before it sells out to a company that actually knows how to run a newspaper business, the bankrupt Rome newspaper reached an all time low recently
by thinking it would be a great idea to recall all of the local tragic deaths of 2014 to brag about how many views each of those stories got on
its website. Not only that, they chose to do it only one day after Christmas. It's hard to say what's worse, using personal tragedies to
promote its delusional, perverted "success" or bragging about incredibly low viewer numbers considering the size of the local population & a
potential worldwide audience. If you agree, please call RNT at 706.290.5200 to express your opinion & to see the obscenity, click >> RNT STORY
and to provide or view comments about this despicable act visit RFN's >> FACEBOOK PAGE
>> ARREST IMAGE & CHARGES
- Late Friday night, EMS, RFD rescue & FCPD responded to a reported stabbing in the 800 block of Donahoo Rd in southern Floyd. A knife was
discovered lying in the driveway. MEDIA RELEASE: 22 yr old Olivia Carver, the ex-girlfriend of the victim, arrived at the location where he was
located. After arriving, Carver produced a knife & stabbed the victim, Frankie Park(er), in the abdomen. Carver was arrested & charged with
aggravated assault (FVA). Park(er) was transported for treatment with his condition not immediately known. Check back for updates.
UPDATE 2>> ARREST IMAGE & CHARGES
- FCPD has arrested 28 yr old Terry Cleo Tibbitts of a Rome, Ga address in connection with the 11.30.14 Robbery of the Dollar General on
Kingston Hwy. He has been charged with Robbery, Burglary & 2 counts of Simple Assault after being ID'd since his appearance in this >> SECURITY IMAGE.
The investigation is ongoing & investigators are still trying to identify the 2nd suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact FCPD at
706.235.7766 or Investigator MC Parris at 706.314.1861. This suspect was arrested by FCPD officer Brandon Broome while on patrol in the Shannon
area. BACKSTORY >> Late in the night of 11.30.14, FCPD responded to a strong-armed robbery since another armed robbery the night before in W Rome.
This time it was the Dollar General store in the 2000 block of Kingston Hwy just outside the loop. FCPD described the suspects as two white
males both wearing camouflage clothing with one wearing dark shoes & the other wearing red shoes. The suspects are thought to have fled down
Kingston Hwy (293). Check back for updates. FYi: The Rome newspaper had the late Sunday night store robbery information along with a picture
from the lot of the store shortly after it happened at 10:20P the night before. But they chose to hold it from YOU for at least 7 hours until
it was posted on their site at 5A the next morning! You should known that RNT quietly & intentionally holds information like this often, mostly
in the late night to early morning hours so you will buy a paper to read about it later. Even when posted on their site, some stories are
obscured on sub-pages & rotated into plain view later in the day after they feel enough papers have been sold first. But if you lived in the
area of this robbery, wouldn't you have wanted to immediately know about it for your safety? If you see early morning timestamped RNT stories,
it is usually a pre-composed scheduled automated post by their website's CMS (Content Management System) software because the RNT cheapskates
surely wouldn't pay straight time, much less OT, for overnight staff. Call RNT at 706.290.5200 & let them know your thoughts on holding
important time-sensitive safety info from you & tell'em RFN sent ya.
Midway Primary Students Transferring to Pepperell Primary Next Fall >> DETAILS
BREAKING NEWS! RNT recently reported the following critical information, RNT: "The Wendy's in CEDARTOWN is no more after the restaurant closed its
doors this week". It is not known what prioritized message RNT was trying to convey, the fact that a fastfood restaurant closed or that it
was an out of town location. Yep, RNT actually posted that info on their website & if it's not features & slideshows of fastfood restaurant
construction in Rome, it's dramatic "news" like this that keeps us coming back for more. Instead of posting important info about an MVA with
injuries backing up traffic for you to avoid, RNT chose to post that during that same time with absolutely NO mention of the MVA, ever.
Unbelievable!
RFN SERVICE NOTE: Until RFN's e-mail & text alert delivery issue is resolved, please use RFN's main pages to get details as usual. But,
if you want to be notified (alerted) of future local breaking news, please subscribe to RFN's >> FACEBOOK
and/or >> TWITTER
pages. It's not as fast as e-mail & text delivery, but other than repeatedly checking RFN's site for new content. it's the only way to at least
be notified until this issue is fixed. Thanks! New subscribers can still submit an e-mail and/or mobile number for text alerts >> HERE
to get native alerts when this issue is resolved. And for RFN's critics, yes, RFN has many more e-mail & text subs, as in several thousand,
than the current 263 FB & 33 Tw followers which are platforms used only as backup.
Early afternoon on 11.19.14, multiple RFD units & emergency crews responded to the Bekaert Industrial complex on Darlington Dr because of a
massive fire inside the building. Within minutes after the report, visible flames were reported & an evacuation of the building & surrounding
area was underway because of chemical vapors that may have been released. Nearby schools were also notified just before the power was cut off
in a wide radius. Bekaert later announced that is plans to stay & rebuild >> RNT
- Although RFN made sure you knew about it only minutes after it began, the reason there was little to no updates from RFN during this event
was because RFN was actually on the scene shooting video for CBS Atlanta which was aired on their 11P newscast. Thanks for your understanding.
RFPRA Director Confronts Floyd Commissioner in Heated Exchange During Meeting >> RSN
UPDATE 2 RNT's latest financial "restructuring" (AKA: BANKRUPTCY) court hearing gets them a little closer to selling the newsgroup to an interested
buyer. Here's RNT's watered down coverage of their latest legal proceedings >> RNT
- And as expected, the most boring name in local news AND RNT's other biggest fan has more to tell >> HTH 1,
>> HTH 2
AND >> HTH 3
- Just scroll down to see several more backstory entries about this ongoing drama.
RFPRA Director Announces Resignation - See Info & Letter >> RSN
>> ARREST IMAGES & CHARGES
- In addition to a list of other charges, FCPD Investigator Rusty Williams has confirmed to RFN that one armed man & an accomplice have been
charged with the alleged roadside rape of a female described to be in her early 20's on Chateau Dr late Wednesday night after she was allegedly
randomly pursued on foot & accosted by the two suspects. Williams could not confirm to RFN if the alleged rape ocurred closer to the road or
deeper into the woods. The search & footchase for the two suspects by multiple police units took place in & around the woodline & into the woods
in the 2200 block of Rockmart Hwy at Saddle Tr near the Saddlebrook subdivision. 911 traffic indicated that police recovered at least one
loaded gun from some type of container, possibly from a trashcan, along with other evidence that was strewn from a backpack, believed to be the
victim's, at a location on Chateau Dr possibly indicating a struggle took place. FCPD could not comment further but check back for more info to
come as the investigation continues.
19 Cars' Windows Broken with Some In-car Audio Components Stolen at W Rome Car Dealer >> RNT
Early in the night of 11.8.14, FCPD Major Tom Ewing confirmed to RFN that CSPD, CSFD FCPD, FCSO, GSP, RFD & EMS responded to a double shooting with a
third person injured by being beaten with what was described as a bat at the Rome Food Mart west of Cave Spring near the state line in southwest
Floyd. FCPD RELEASE: On 11.11.14 Ansley McGhee, Craig Jones, and Regina Jones were arrested in connection of the 11.8.14 shooting at
the Rome Food Mart at 2406 Gadsden Hwy. Ansley McGhee was charged with false statements and Party to a Crime of Aggravated Battery. Craig Jones
was charged with Aggravated Assault and Aggravated Battery. Regina Jones was also charged with Aggravated Battery and Aggravated Assault. This
is an on- going investigation. More arrests and charges are possible. No further information will be released at this time.
>> SUPERSIZE IMAGE 1
| >> SUPERSIZE IMAGE 2
| >> SUPERSIZE IMAGE 3
- UPDATE: The car was removed on 12.4.14 - Late in the morning of 11.7.14, FCPD responded to the Oostanaula River bridge on Hwy 140 in Armuchee
after a truck driver reported seeing a car's trunk lid visible just above the water's surface on the south side of the bridge. RFD's marine
unit described the submerged car as a silver Mustang convertible, the tag was not able to be viewed & no occupants were found in the car. FCPD
Major Tom Ewing stated to RFN that a car similar to that description was recently reported stolen but it could not be confirmed if that was it
because the car's ID number & tag are not visible without the use of divers or until the water level drops. He also stated that because of the
car's location in the river making it difficult to extract & the fact that no occupants were found, it may be left there indefinitely.
UPDATE The same woman arrested back in late 2012 for passing out behind the wheel of her running car at a traffic light downtown then ramming a city
police car at full throttle with a small child inside her car has been arrested again, this time for public drunk. See the first page of the
11.5.14 arrest report >> HERE
- View the DRAMATIC police video below of her with a baby onboard that ramming an RCPD unit at full throttle after being startled out of an
intoxicated blackout while sitting at a traffic light downtown.
(scroll down) >>
To see more LOCAL
in-car police videos that you may have missed, click >> HERE
The bankrupt Rome newspaper group may be bought out by a Marietta Media Group soon. RNT finally learned a while back that they can't hide the
details of their $10M bankruptcy debt & all kinds of other embarrassing financial information before other local media posts it so they now at
least make a modest but pitiful attempt to inform you of their current status when they choose to. Of course & as expected, during rolling,
ongoing layoffs since the internet began eroding traditional media delivery & amid many other examples of extreme cheapness, RNT's top
"executive" gets a "consulting" fee of $10K per month for 20 months after the sale, if approved >> RNT
- RNT wasn't even the first to break the news of their own bankruptcy declaration back in January of 2013. But if you think RNT has told you
the whole story, they have not. The most boring name in local news AND RNT's other biggest fan has more >> HTH
FCPD & Federal Trade Commission Warn of Newspaper Subscription Scam >> DETAILS
RCPD Metro Officer Resigns After Mistaken Arrest Investigation >> RNT
Late in the morning on 10.27.14, RCPD & assisting agencies responded to a bank robbery at the Greater Rome Bank at 800 E 2nd Ave. A Floyd
911 official stated to RFN that a black male suspect entered the bank & displayed a note to a bank employee. Police later
stated that it was not known if he had a weapon. The suspect was able to get around $10K & then fled the scene. A tracking dog
was used & FCSO & FCPD were put on alert. Then about thirty minutes later, Rockmart police stopped a car in Polk County for
erratic driving & that car turned out to contain a suspect who was hiding in the trunk. The suspect was arrested & the money
was recovered but it was not immediately known if the driver of that car was involved or if there were any other accomplices.
The driver was arrested by Polk officers for DUI.
NOTE: TRY INTERNET
EXPLORER OR FIREFOX IF VIDEO DOES NOT PLAY IN GOOGLE's CHROME BROWSER. See exclusive in-car police video from the high speed
chase starting at 27N at the loop straight into downtown on Broad St ending with a dramatic rollover on South Broad St. The
driver of the SUV was a suspect in a reported home invasion on 9.22.14 at an Old Summerville Rd address in Armuchee. Reports
indicated that a female was bound with duct tape but managed to escape & contact authorities. The following video is what
happened a short while later. The driver died from his injuries several days later >> VIDEO
See who got thrown in the Floyd slammer last night, the day before that, the week before that, the month before that & so on
right now, right >> HERE
FYE Rome News Employee Gets a Huge Bonus! But NOT from those RNT cheapskates,
that's for sure >> DETAILS
UPDATESee new info & video link below. The Floyd Sheriff's Chief Deputy, Tom Caldwell, has announced that eighteen deputies & two supervisors in the warrant
division will be issued FPV, First Person View, on-body Wolfcom Vision video cameras in November. Caldwell told RFN that this
gear will provide excellent documentation of deputies' daily operations & interactions with the public when serving warrants
& when becoming involved in random events. In addition to several other advanced features, these camera units can record an
incredible 30 minutes of buffered content which means once recording is triggered, the actual start time goes back 30 minutes
prior to help ensure the entire incident was captured. Most in-car police cameras have a 30-60 second buffer. Caldwell said
that 20 camera systems were ordered costing around $200 per unit & if the cameras prove to be effective, more units may be
ordered for widespread use >> DETAILS & VIDEO
FYi Floyd County Public Works has begun running regular leaf pick up routes with
the vacuum trucks in curb & gutter subdivisions. Leaves can be placed on the street right-of-way for pick up.
FYE If you're incredibly bored right now or you've never seen what the construction
of a fastfood restaurant looks like, take a look at this this incredibly common thing in an "EXCLUSIVE" slideshow (AKA pre-ad sales pitch)
now! UNBELIEVABLE FOLKS! >> RNT SLIDESHOW
- And not to be outdone, the most boring name in local news, Hometown Headlines, chose to show TWO pictures of not construction,
but the empty lot of a soon to be built Mexican fastfood restaurant chain with a big bell in the logo. Hmmm? The absurdity
just never ends.
Watch Coosa High's Construction Progress on LIVE Webcam. The camera takes a snapshot every few minutes >> WEBCAM
UPDATE On 8.12.14, RFN officially confirmed that 39 yr old previously jailed former Floyd Sheriff's Deputy, Jerry Duke, married just
recently turned-18 yr old Jessica Bennett, now Jessica Duke on 8.8.14 around noon. As usual, RNT just got around to figuring
it out late, as in two days later on Thursday, but had this new angle to present>> RNT
- Floyd court clerk's office records indicate that Duke requested finalized divorce papers from his previous marriage on
Friday & Bartow County marriage records indicate the two showed up at the courthouse in Cartersville & were married by
Margaret St Phillips. It is not known where they will reside. Duke's ex-wife filed a temporary restraining order against him
late in the afternoon on 8.8.14 >> BACKSTORY
UPDATEAccording to documents filed & approved in the Floyd County Court clerk's
office late in the afternoon on 8.8.14, Jerry Duke's former wife Christina has filed a Temporary Restraining Order against him. Check
back for details soon. Jailed former FCSO deputy granted $10K conditional bond, now-18 yr old girl living in Duke's
residence & Floyd Grand Jury was struck from the schedule with possible future meeting >> DETAILS
FYi>> FloydFugitives.com
now has its July booking images restored. You may have noticed that local jail booking images have disappeared from the Floyd
Jail's real time online population listings, which will be permanent, as well as from several local media sites' daily listings
if they have not legally registered to have images restored. This is because of a new state law enacted on July 1st to prevent
the distribution of images to commercial websites that charge fees to remove a person's booking image which is now illegal,
at least in Ga. All websites displaying booking images must now be legally registered with its image provider. IF AN
UNREGISTERED WEBSITE POACHES OR LINKS TO A LEGALLY REGISTERED WEBSITE'S IMAGES, SERIOUS LEGAL PENALTIES COULD BE IMPOSED BY
THE STATE.
>> ARREST IMAGE & CHARGES
- Just after midnight on 6.28.14, a Floyd EMS ambulance was stolen from a location on Etowah Ter in S Rome. It was spotted by several RCPD units
downtown & another that saw it run the light on T McCall at Broad St with no emergency lights while heading outbound toward
northern Floyd. Shortly after being spotted, the EMS crew reported to 911 that the ambulance had been taken. The alert was
then sent out to all police units & the chase was on as FMC tracked the vehicle with realtime GPS showing its location up
near W Hermitage Rd off of 53N then where it finally stopped at Opi's bar on Hwy 53 at about 1:00A. FCPD & assisting agencies
arrived within minutes, secured the ambulance & took a 47 yr old female into custody. An FCPD supervisor stated that upon her
arrival in the lot of the bar, all the vehicle's emergency lights had been activated with no siren. He also stated that she
did not appear to be intoxicated but had claimed to others on the scene that she had just bought the ambulance. It was later
revealed that the EMS crew had responded to a hot call made by her on Etowah Ter.
FCPD Grant to Fund New Alcohol Breath Analyzer >> DETAILS
Shorter Coach,
Brittni Dulaney Appears on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live. (Starts at 7:15) >> CUED VIDEO
Oops, he did it again. This time, Floyd Commissioner Gary Fricks was ordered to halt home renovation by the building inspector >> RNT Fricks was arrested
back in 2008 for driving with an expired tag displayed on the wrong vehicle AND for driving with a suspended driver's license
for almost 8 yrs >> Fricks Arrest VIDEO
| >> Floyd Citizen Speaks Out & Slams Commissioners VIDEO
Early afternoon on 6.18.14, a 911 official confirmed to RFN that RCPD, EMS & assisting agencies converged in the 200 block of
Reservation St in N Rome after a shooter reportedly came out of the woods & shot a male victim 3 times, twice in the back &
once in the arm with at least one known exit wound. He was conscious when first responders arrived. The suspect is described
as a black male that fled on foot wearing a black shirt, black shorts & black shoes & as of this report was still on the run.
Check back for updates.
FYi Click HERE
to see today's & archived Floyd jail daily booking reports complete with pictures & bios & when this note is gone, you can
always click the Rome CrimeMapping panel link above to view the reports, local in-car police videos, activity & MUCH more!
EXCLUSIVE UPDATE 5VIEW THE ENTIRE FCSO INTERNAL INVESTIGATION INTERVIEW
VIDEO NOW & SEE THE 4.5 PAGE PERSONAL STATEMENT WRITTEN BY JERRY DUKE FROM THE FCSO INTERNAL INVESTIGATION >> HERE
- DUKE DENIED BOND AT A HEARING HELD BEFORE SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE NIEDRACH ON 6.2.14 & MAY SPEND WEEKS OR AS MUCH AS 3 MONTHS
IN JAIL & the teen girl's mom slams the 39 yr old jailed former deputy in newly revealed FACEBOOK PRIVATE MESSAGES after
he pleads with her before reporting him. See all that along with the previous text message marathon between the arrested former
Floyd deputy & teen girl. And there's still more info to come soon. The recently fired former Floyd deputy was arrested for
felony aggravated stalking & a misdemeanor charge in violation of a restraining order against him & it was noted in court that
Duke had provided a cellphone to the young girl for secret communications between them. Also, see RFN details about his
suspension months ago. EARLIER >> A 39 yr old Floyd Sheriff's deputy vowed to appeal after he was terminated for multiple
policy violations in addition to an incident involving a 17 yr old girl that prompted a restraining order. The deputy was then
ordered to stay away from the girl & her family by a superior court judge.
Late on the night of 5.16.14, RCPD & EMS responded to the shooting of a store clerk at the Big H store in S Rome across from
the new school. RCPD Sgt Trixie Morgan confirmed to RFN that the clerk was shot in the back at least 3 times while locking up
to leave the store & more than likely didn't see the attack coming. It is not known if the victim had any money that may have
been taken but the shooter also apparently took the victim's store & car keys as well. RCPD Investigator Jeff Richerson could
not disclose if any shell casings were recovered to indicate the caliber of gun used. The victim was alert when transported
to the hospital but his current condition is not known. RCPD investigators were at the scene into the early morning. Check
back for updates.
RNT's April Bankruptcy Financial Reports & Legal Updates >> HTH
Local Principal Elected as Ga High School Association President >> RSN
Local Man Looks Just Like KFC Icon Colonel Sanders >> RNT
Chieftains Museum Changes Management Amid Financial Default >> RNT
- RNT says they're having "money troubles" but maybe RNT needs to take another look in the mirror before making a statement
like that and speaking of >> MONEY TROUBLES
| >> TWO
| >> THREE
- Just scroll down for even more.
New Service Sends Free Alerts When Your Property Records Are Searched >> RNT
RNT's March Bankruptcy Financial Reports & Legal Updates >> HTH
FYi See today's & archived Floyd jail daily booking reports complete with pictures
& bios. To view the reports, local in-car police videos, activity & MUCH more, click the Rome CrimeMapping panel link above.
FYi The river boardwalk is now open for a scenic walk or bike ride along the
Oostanaula River.
Several trees were cut down on Broad at E 8th Ave in the recent past & 15 more trees are in the process of being removed from
the Broad St median >> RNT
Auctioneer Licensing Bill Sponsored by Rep. Dempsey Questioned as a Conflict >> AJC
Supersized American Flag to Fly in Rome for 200th Anniversary >> RNT
FCPD Arrests Additional Suspects for Recent Burglaries & Car Chase Incident >> DETAILS
Floyd Sheriff's Office Warns of the New Drug "Gravel" >> DETAILS
The most boring name in local news is reporting a new installment in the RNT bankruptcy drama. This time, RNT's bankruptcy
attorney is seeking $35K+ in fees >> HTH
ONE EGG HATCHED ON 2.22.14>> POST-HATCH VIDEO CUT Berry's eagle nest
LIVE camera with night vision>> LIVE VIDEO
- EAGLE NEST OWL ATTACK starts at 3:50s>> VIDEO
| Florida eagle nest live camera featuring two teeneagles >> LIVE VIDEO
FCPD: Car Found in Creek Wrecked Elsewhere >> RNT
- See backstory link at the end of this info & check back for updates because the investigation continues after FCPD conducts
a reconstruction of events. Late in the afternoon of 2.8.14, RFD, FCPD & assisting agencies responded to the area of 27 N just
north of Hwy 156 in Armuchee after a black Volkswagen Jetta was discovered submerged in Armuchee Creek by Charlie Henderson
who was paddling that afternoon. Early 911 radio traffic indicated that the location should be treated as a crime scene but
that has not been officially confirmed as declared by police. Five hours later into the night, the coroner had arrived at the
scene as the car was pulled from the creek. Shortly after, FCPD Capt Gary Conway & Detective Rusty Williams confirmed that
the body of the recently missing N Floyd woman, Angela Worsham, was found inside the car in the driver's seat >> RNT BACKSTORY
Armuchee Athletics Announces New Head Football Coach >> RSN
FYEThe Rome Newspaper has reached singularity or close to it with their
growing Facebook following (AKA: free audience) as well as their 3600+ Twitter followers which together have met or exceeded
their last known 14K daily print-for-pay subscriber base, which could actually be a much lower figure. Of course, the dual FB
& Twitter followers that actually count as one person along with automated, parasitic, pseudo "followers" that plague alot of
accounts would reduce the artificially inflated FB & Tw numbers by an unknown amount as well. The question is, what happens
when RNT's non-paying Facebook & Twitter following significantly increases in the near future continuing to lure viewers away
from their main site with paying sponsors? Even though FB & Tw are typically used as previews or sources of discovery for
followers, successful click-throughs from them to a main site are not guaranteed & have a higher abandonment rate than most
site operators would want to admit. This is a scenario that ALL media website operators and their sponsors should be
investigating.
FYE RNT Snowjob: "The Rome News carriers are in the process of delivering today's
& yesterday's newspapers to homes & businesses around Floyd County". Yes folks, the Rome newspaper actually said that
& the following to ONLINE viewers about their PRINT edition. It went on to list a circulation department number if you
needed help but they were closed! "Road conditions likely to hamper newspaper deliveries tomorrow . . . Updated delivery
information will be posted online throughout the day tomorrow". So RNT can post info about the paper's delivery status on
their website but NOT the actual news, huh? Just how many people would read that on RNT's website then wait & pay for 24-48
hr old news that they already saw for free the day before on RNT along with every other local news website? Does RNT expect
you to un-know what you discovered the day before? That's right up there with RNT's occasional excuse for incomplete online
story info by saying "further details not available at press time". Really, there's a press time cutoff for a website?
And banks continue to give this bankrupt "news" operation financial support.
FCSO Tracking Dog Snickers Gets New Transport Truck >> RNT
RFPRA Proposes Closing Parks Amid Budget Cuts >> RSN
FYE The following teen-speak is indicative of what is currently or what will be
running the Rome News in the near future to attract a new, younger audience. It's hilarious to see RNT's serious side
in print & on the main website, then their teen club side on Twitter. RNT wishing YOU a good night and >> Sweet Dreams SCREENSHOT
and the original >> Hey Man! SCREENSHOT
Burglary Suspect Flees Scene Then Steals FCPD Car >> DETAILS
Former Student & Businessman in Rome Donates $500K to Local College Stadium & Field Named for Him >> RSN
Selection of New Armuchee Football Coach Underway >> RSN
Downtown Rome Selected for Georgia's Exceptional Main Streets Program >> more info
FYi City Fines Dept Moving to Law Enforcement Center >> RNT
UPDATE>> SECURITY STILL 1
| >> SECURITY STILL 2 RCPD is asking for
your help to ID the person in these two security videos walking away with two AC units from a local school. Once there,
scroll down to see notes & comments under video links. (action starts at :18 in first video) >> VIDEO 1
| >> VIDEO 2
FYi Are These Your Stolen Items Recently Recovered by RCPD at a Local Motel >> RNT
FYi Who got arrested last night, yesterday, the day before and the month(s) before
that? Just click the Rome Crime Mapping link under the Floyd Fugitives link or the FF link itself in the menu above to find
out now!
UPDATE Former RFPRA Gymnastics Instructor Favored in Recent Lawsuit Court Ruling >> RSN
Former RNT Employee Arrested for Making Threats to Current Staff >> RNT
UPDATE 2 During the continued investigation into the murder of Willie Terry Slack,
the Criminal Investigations Division of RCPD obtained information that has led to warrants being issued for Dewayne Labron
Reynolds for Armed Robbery & Murder. Willie Lewis Dublin & Darnell Labron Mitchell were previously charged with Armed Robbery
& Murder in this case & are currently in the Floyd County Jail & Mr. Reynolds is currently in the custody of the Georgia
Department of Corrections. This remains an ongoing investigation. - Lt. Gary Clayton CID >> BACKSTORY
Floyd County Real Estate Records Back to 1800s Now Online - Once there, click on Real Estate >> more info
UPDATE Mother of Murdered Toddler Arrested with Associated Charges >> more info
>> SUPERSIZE IMAGE
- Recent river walking deck construction at 5th Ave bridge.
UPDATE RNT manages to escape another bankruptcy hearing extension, at least
partially. This time it's until late November >> HTH
FYi As predicted earlier by RFN & HTH (RNT's other biggest fan), RNT launched a
"new" website so get ready to be thoroughly confused. The only problem is, it's not really new at all. The domain (.com)
name NorthwestGeorgiaNews.com was registered back in 2012 & was in use for RNT's online sports content since its reassignment.
It is now RNT's main hub for all of their regional news content platforms which is the only new thing about it in addition to
an integrated feature for viewers to submit articles & pics via Facebook for RNT to use for FREE, of course! This comes after
RNT's media content director recently openly pandered to sports kids' parents to submit FREE pics & video from their sports
events because of RNT's limited staff, see >> RSN
- So, this "new" site is the same stuff with a different name containing enough syllables to rival the entire alphabet along
with a different & an even more cluttered layout with smaller text. It is unknown if this has anything to do with RNT's
current bankruptcy restructuring but surely their creditors & the courts will not be fooled or impressed by this cosmetic
change.
Another Violent Home Invasion Reported, This Time Couple Ambushed in N Rome >> RNT
BOLO FCPD Needs Your Help to ID Home Invasion Suspect (once there, see details under image) >> DETAILS
RNT's former publisher, Otis Raybon, who resigned amid seemingly endless bankruptcy hearings for the paper has resurfaced at
the Mississippi Daily Leader newspaper after rumors and the appearance of that company's jet was reported to have been
spotted at the Rome airport a few times weeks earlier >> Daily Leader
FCSO Deputy Suspended for Altercation with FCPD Officer Trainee at Jail >> RNT
FYi
The FCSO jail staff appeared on A&E's Beyond Scared Straight recently but if you missed it see preview videos >> HERE
FYi If you're a parent of a sports kid, you may be interested in a controversial,
investigative documentary that aired about football concussion injuries & risks on PBS's FrontLine recently. A similar
documentary about high school football concussions also aired. Get all the associated info along with preview video on a PC now at >> RomeSportsNet.com
UPDATE RNT Gets ANOTHER Bankruptcy Hearing Extension, This Time Until Late
October >> HTH
FYi RNT finally realized that RCPD has a mobile tag scanning unit a full TWO YEARS
after it was put into service & quoted RCPD's chief as saying "We have gone into the 21st century". RNT was obviously NOT
able to complete that journey. To see detailed info, images and a demo video that RFN posted back in 2011, click HERE
Local ECO Center's Indoor Trout Stream Near Completion >> RNT
UPDATE Get info about RNT's recent bankruptcy court filing deadline on 9.30.13
along with more staff changes, area delivery changes & of course, drama >> HTH
FYi FCPD Warns of New DEA Warrant Phone Scam >> DETAILS
RCPD Releases Arrest Details About Toddler's Recent Death Investigation >> more info
In addition to the sports editor leaving in the recent past, yet another key crewmember jumps from RNT's sinking ship
amid another bankruptcy court hearing >> HTH
AND if that's not bad enough, RNT is following the lead of the Miami Herald's desperation but has not asked for monetary
donations, yet >> Miami Herald
(once there, pick a link). So far, RNT's "new" (more like drop-in) sports editor is "Jumping the Shark"
in desperation by pandering to all local sports kids' parents for FREE pictures from events due to low staffing at the paper >> RNT
- That's right, RNT wants you to work for free, just like when they tried to recruit bloggers to work for free several years
ago. It should be noted that because RFN has no staff and IF it used citizens' content for free, it could be significantly
more efficient in covering local news too. But RFN is not cheap. In fact, RFN has been offered FREE content from its viewers
numerous times but has declined to accept it because of the inability to pay a fair licensing fee. RFN also does not borrow
or lift content from other sites with or without attribution like others do. If RFN uses your content, you will be paid for
it! What do you have to say about being asked to work for free by a company as financially irresponsible as RNT?>> COMMENTS
Berry's LIVE Eagle
Nest Camera with Night Vision & a Higher & Closer Perspective >> VIDEO
UPDATE>> SUPERSIZE IMAGE
- Recent Myrtle Hill Mausoleum construction completion is near with a scheduled opening date in October >> RNT
>> SUPERSIZE IMAGE 1
| >> SUPERSIZE IMAGE 2
- Late in the afternoon of 9.6.13, a small one-man excavator slid down the steep Oostanaula riverbank within 10 ft of the
water at the river walk worksite behind the law enforcement center downtown. Crewmembers on the scene said that the load
shifted causing the the machine to quickly slide down the bank. The operator was initially unable to free himself but was
eventually able to escape with no injuries.
UPDATE RNT's sinking ship
gets yet another bankruptcy court extension, the domain (.com) name, NorthwestGeorgiaNews.com registered a year ago, is
currently in use for RNT's online sports content signaling a possible rebranding & a newspaper known for acquiring other
regional papers had its corporate jet spotted at the Rome airport - something is up and it sure ain't RNT's stock >> HTH
View DRAMATIC police video below of a female driver with a baby onboard that rammed an RCPD unit at full throttle after being
startled out of an intoxicated blackout while sitting at a traffic light downtown.
(scroll down) >>
UPDATE Usually known for "Jumping the Shark",
RNT's publisher, Otis Raybon, has now jumped from his sinking ship
by resigning amid bankrupcty filings & declining sales in a very watered down announcement >> RNT
- For NEW, in-depth info >> HTH
& about RNT's latest bankruptcy info >> HTH 2
- To view several
candid internal RNT management videos discovered by RFN a while back, including Otis Raybon, click >> HERE
FYi RCPD Warns of Red Light Camera Ticket Scam >> DETAILS
UPDATE Court Denies Convicted Murderer, Tim Spriggs, Recent Request >> RNT
- To see EXCLUSIVE RFN arrest video & hear the most complete suite of dramatic 911 audio tracks, click >> HERE
The Rome Christmas Parade Committee has released the theme name of the 2013 parade as being Christmas at the Movies. To get more parade info, click >> HERE
>> ARREST IMAGE & CHARGES
- See VIDEO below - Early in the morning on 7.7.13, RCPD responded to the 300 block of Broad St after someone reported that a male was wandering around
while totally nekked. The downtown area has seen some interesting activity in the last few years. First it was the controversial
>> GGW event back in 2009 & then last year, RCPD took another person
into custody that was running totally nekked on T McCall in broad daylight. To view that police video, click >> HERE
(scroll down) >>
YOUR INDEXED SELECTION IS ABOVE
BOLO Local Police Searching for Missing W Rome Female Jeuvenile >> DETAILS
FYi Fall 2013 Barron Stadium Event Usage Schedule >> RSN
The investigation continues, see new info link below. FCPD CAR IMAGES >>1
| 2
- Within the hour after midnight on 7.28.13, police & EMS responded to the intersection of the loop at HWY 53 after it was
reported that FCPD officer Katheryn Payne's car was involved in a collision with another vehicle. EMS cancelled RFD rescue
shortly after their arrival but the officer was transported for evaluation of minor pain. The other car's driver was not
injured. After officers reviewed police video, it was determined that the collision occurred because the officer failed to
yield the right of way at a common green light for both drivers while she was turning left onto the loop from HWY 53 into the
path of the other car traveling south on HWY 53 >> RNT UPDATE
In a desperate attempt to stay alive by attracting attention, RNT once again "Jumps the Shark",
this time by attacking a local environmentalist with some really crappy comments, literally >> RNT
FYiSUPERSIZE RCPD NEW CAR IMAGES >>1
| 2
- Get a FIRST LOOK at a few of RCPD's new police cars at the city public works facility waiting to be outfitted with
the necessary features for use in the field. The first of the 6 new units went into service in late August.
FYiNO MORE WAITING! Until now, RFN only provided a snapshot of the Floyd
jail's daily booking report. The FCSO now offers a 24/7 LIVE (realtime) feed of the jail's current population along with a
new search tool in addition to a new sex offender registry and search. Get that link and much more by clicking the Rome Crime
Mapping graphic panel link above.
FYi FCPD Warns of Your Money or Your Arrest Phone Scam >> DETAILS
FYi The RFPRA has postponed the 2013 fireworks show to a future date due to
rain and cloud cover. The new date is the last block party date of the year on Broad Street on Saturday, October 26. The Rome
Symphony Orchestra will still perform a free concert at 8P tonight as planned, but it will be relocated to the Rome City
Auditorium. If anything changes, check RFN for updates. This year, the actual fireworks display will feature larger 6, 8 & 10
inch shells, twice as big as before, and will be launched from Vaughn Rd which is near the city public works site on the
opposite side of Riverside Pkwy.
FYi RCPD Warns of Scammers Posing as Package Carriers in a Phone Scam Verifying If
Residents Are Home >> more info
FYE Oops! They did it again! Considering its current bankruptcy status & the
continued & steady loss of print subs, WHY does RNT continue to bring attention to the fact that a print edition of news or
anything is quickly becoming an obsolete delivery method? RNT mentioned that a print insert was to be discontinued and then
went on to describe how most content everywhere is moving online & away from print which may become a reality for their
ENTIRE print product lines. See how prophetic that really sounds when their entire print product is plugged into that note >> HERE
- For ongoing local media antics info, click the Local Media Scandals link in the main menu above.
FYE If you're a longtime Roman & listened to WKCX / K-98 back in the late 70's
to early 80's then you can appreciate this. If not, you still may get a good laugh at these songs that were regularly played on
their air >> TOAD SUCKERS
| >> COW PATTI
| >> RFN FLASHBACK COMMENTS?
SUPERSIZE IMAGES >>1
| 2
| 3
| 4
| 5
- Early in the night on 6.10.13, RFD responded to a fire inside a large storage area at the Rome Recycle Center. It was
contained & thoroughly soaked within 20 minutes & RFD is investigating the cause. A while back, RFD responded to another
external fire at this location. >> VIDEO
Several more arrests made. Late in the afternoon on
6.8.13, RCPD confirmed that the Wheeler St shooting suspect was arrested. When multiple agencies were searching for him early
in the morning on 6.7.13 near an apartment complex, police were later told that someone had been helping him hide inside a
couch in another nearby unit the whole time. Around 1:00A in the morning on 6.7.13, police radio traffic indicated there was
a heavy police presence involving multiple agencies in the area of 3 Rivers Dr near Rome Schools on the loop searching for at
least one of the suspects with a K-9 unit. The use of a helicopter was also discussed but did not happen. The search was
terminated with no results around 2A. See an RCPD release along with 4 images of suspects posing with guns & flashing wads of
money in this 5 page (PDF) document >> RCPD RELEASE & IMAGES
and more info from >> RNT
- Shortly after midnight on 6.1.13, RCPD and EMS responded to a shooting in the first block of Wheeler St off E 20th St in
Southeast Rome. According to RCPD Sgt Trixie Morgan, the male victim in his late 30s was hit three times in his right side
and he managed to end up in a neighbor's yard & then back to his before collapsing. 911 traffic indicated that a witness at
or near the scene also described hearing "automatic gunfire". A lookout for a small, red, late 90's model Honda was issued
for possible involvement in this incident but no suspect info was available. Later that morning, the victim's wounds resulted
in his death. A similar shooting death occurred on New Year's Eve in N Rome, and yet another similar early morning recent
incident involving multiple shots fired into a crowd occurred at the beginning of March on Crane St near Southeast Elementary
resulting in return fire by a responding RCPD supervisor. But this time, nobody was injured and the suspect fled in a vehicle
and it's not known if the shooter has been identified. Immediately following the gunfire and as the suspect fled in his car,
a responding RCPD supervisor returned fire. It is unknown if the suspect or his car were hit but later that morning, a person
reported that a round from the suspect's gunfire had penetrated their car. Although rare in Rome/Floyd, because an officer
returned fire, RCPD launched a more in-depth inquiry into the incident but no specific details were provided or released but
were offered upon request. [>> BACK TO TOP]
UPDATE City Requests New Tennis Center Be Put in SPLOST >> RSN
See VIDEO below. SUPERSIZE IMAGES >>1
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| 7(scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
Just before dark on 4.11.13, strong winds blew several large metal roof panels off of a plumbing supply business wrapping
them around trees like tin foil as well as shattering plate glass display windows in the front of the building in the 400
block of E 2nd Ave. Winds also took down trees that fell on power lines causing scattered power outages throughout the city &
county.
SUPERSIZE IMAGES >>1
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- RCPD, RFD & EMS responded to the corner of Broad St at 3rd Ave downtown due to an SUV that partially crashed through the
front of a floral business. An RCPD supervisor stated that a male driver in his early 30's was transported for treatment with
condition unknown at the time. Although not confirmed by RFN, this was possibly the result of a medical condition.
View VIDEO below. Early afternoon on 4.5.13, RFD responded to Lewis Chemical on N Sycamore St in W Rome after a tanker
truck loaded with what was initially believed to be a corrosive chemical with the HAZMAT label reading 1790 overturned on the
railroad tracks.
(scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
Lewis Chemical CFO, Diane Lewis, confirmed to RFN that the chemical is actually a quaternary ammonium compound or concentrated
cleaning solution and was not an immediate danger to the surrounding area. The tanker was only 50-75 ft from Shorter Ave &
the liquid was removed from the tank before it was uprighted. Sand & other absorbant barriers were placed around the affected
area to prevent it from spreading. Before emergency crews were informed the tanker's content was not a serious hazard, the
immediate area in a 300 ft radius was evacuated as a precaution. RFD Division Chief Troy Brock said the tanker had a slow
running leak that was draining into the rail bed ditches. All train traffic was delayed for around 12 hours before the tanker
was upright just after midnight the next morning. This was the THIRD incident in several months involving a tanker & the
second that a tanker has overturned, all involving Lewis Chemical. >> BACKSTORY
Rome Native (Darlington graduate) & Current Florida Head Coach (former Auburn defensive coordinator) Facing Pay-to-Play
Allegations >> RSN
FYi RCPD & Family Searching for Missing West Rome Teen >> DETAILS
Nine Involved in Recent Store Gambling Raid Arrested in Pre-dawn Roundup >> RNT
Counselor Suing the FBOE after Recent RiF Announcement >> RNT
SUPER SIZE IMAGES >>1
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- On March 24th, what was thought to have been a lightning strike caused a six foot section of bricks and debris to fall from
the upper area of a retail store's building face in the 200 block of Broad St downtown. No injuries were reported and the area
with debris was blocked with barracades until repairs were completed.
FCPD looking for more potential victims after the arrest of a local suspected longtime explicit sexting stalker of females
by getting their numbers from ad signs >> more info
March 18th, 2013, powerful straight-line winds toppled trees, powerpoles & lines hitting structures and vehicles as well as
causing significant power outages in several areas of Floyd County, especially on the south side. View dramatic storm damage
video below taking you on a path within the scene of the Silver Creek Mini Mart and surrounding area that were heavily damaged
by those winds.
(scroll down) >>
Do you remember where you were 20 years ago in the blizzard of '93, known as the Storm of the Century? If you haven't already,
see dramatic video below featuring Floyd EMA crews finding themselves stranded a few miles outside of Rome and assisting
citizens closer inside town during that massive storm system along with other associated video.
(scroll down) >>
RFPRA & Local Govts Named in Lawsuit by Former Arrested & Acquitted Employee >> RSN
Floyd Schools Reduction in Force Complete Outline >> FULL DETAILS
FYi See today's & archived Floyd jail daily booking reports complete with pictures
& bios. To view the reports, local in-car police videos, activity & MUCH more, click the Rome CrimeMapping panel link above.
FYi Does Rome have its own Area 51? Maybe not militarily, but an ENTIRE corner
block tract of land for GE's former transformer plant campus on Redmond Cir in West Rome has been blurred out 360° on Google
Map's street view. See for yourself >> HERE
>> ARREST / CHARGES IMAGE
Maj Mark Wallace of FCPD confirmed that Steven Thornton was seriously injured after being shot multiple times by 59 yr old
Janice Charlene Thornton at 29 Green Valley Rd off Wax Rd in Silver Creek. Early reports by the woman to 911 indicated that
she shot the man at least twice and then stated that after shooting him she had placed the gun on a counter and waited for
police to arrive. Wallace could not provide details while the investigation was in progress. The victim was transported to
the hospital with his condition remaining unknown. See arrest image and charges at the image link above.
FCSO Scared
Straight clip gets national exposure on The Soup, a comedy show on E! Network >> VIDEO
- If you missed the first FCSO episode on A&E, to see a preview & the next airdate/time, click here
Chief Deputy Tom Caldwell has confirmed that at least one inmate at the Floyd jail has Tuberculosis. Two inmates were isolated
& one was diagnosed with the other's status pending. Caldwell says at least 75 percent of the jail staff may have to be tested
as well as the possibility of others who may have come into contact such as courthouse staff, attorneys, etc.. TB is a
contagion that is spread when a carrier coughs or sneezes. The tests will be performed at the jail that has an exam unit with
its own pressurized ventilation system. Exams involve skin testing and x-rays.
The Floyd Jail's
staff, inmates & local kids were featured on A&E's Beyond Scared Straight. >> VIDEO
| >> local info
In the wake of RNT's recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing announcement, THE TRUTH IS FINALLY SEEN & TOLD ABOUT RNT! Click here
to view twelve interesting, revealing & candid internal RNT videos with answers to some prophetic questions such as,
"what would be the effect if your newspaper were to close and not be replaced?" replying with statements like "The biggest
problem is that people just wouldn't know about anything . . . If we go away, you lose all of it. Because no matter how someone
tries, they're not going to be able to do what we do." Along with other detailed discussions by RNT management that seem
to go hand in hand with recent legal & financial troubles involving the Rome News, you won't believe the arrogance & ignorance
portrayed in the videos. Apparently, these oracles aren't aware that civilization is well into the 21st century & the
internet provides unlimited sources of news & information & not just RNT's version of it. You'll get to see first hand why
RFN & others have such contempt for these RNT buffoons. >> [ BACK TO TOP]
RNT finally comes clean attempting to beat everyone else to the punch with a front page headline New Year's Day stating that
it has filed for chapter 11 "reorganization". There is alot of wishful thinking in the article as the failing paper lists
huge debts for millions as if all of Rome and Floyd didn't already know about it months ago! They can't even be first at
breaking the news of their own bankruptcy. A perfect example of why they will eventually fail. The "secret" meeting with
employees was leaked on another site the previous day. RNT finally posted this on its site after enough people were forced to
buy it in print first. How about that? Getting people to pay you to read about your own bankruptcy. Basically this reorganization
doesn't mean higher pay for the staff, no, just a few less perks & trips to golf courses for the "executives" >> RNT
See the nekked truth showing RNT all stripped down HERE
See the RNT UPDATE link at the end of the following RFN
backstory info. CRIME SCENE IMAGES >>1
| 2
| 3 -
Late New Year's Eve 2012, RCPD responded to a fatal shooting in the 300 block of Kingston Ave in NE Rome. RCPD investigators
confirmed that a black male in his 50s was shot outside of his home, however, he collapsed on the front porch of the house
next door and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have declared this as a homicide and are determining if he was shot in
his driveway or while traveling to the neighboring house. The shooter was still on the loose and no definite suspects were
named at the time of this report. This was the only murder in the city for 2012 but there was one other in the county on
Callier Springs Rd >> RNT UPDATE
- [>> BACK TO UNRELATED SIMILAR STORY]
YOUR INDEXED SELECTION IS ABOVE
View VIDEO below. >> ARREST IMAGE & CHARGES
- Christmas day 2012, multiple RCPD units responded to a burglary in progress at a Creekside Way address off Horseleg Creek Rd.
According to the elderly resident, she & her husband were returning home and saw a white Jeep Cherokee parked in the driveway
with the engine still running. The female resident entered the garage to find the door open and the dog running out of the
house. She then peaked inside to find the house in disarray. She immediately returned to her car & called police. She stated
that she kept at least one gun in the house. First responders surrounded the house with guns drawn. Police stated that forced
entry was made at the rear of the home and also later confirmed that two of the resident's guns were recovered still in the
house. They also stated that items had been boxed up ready to take by the burglar. The suspect fled into the woods behind the
house which is also the Horseleg creekbed. Nearby ShorterU was put on alert along with adjoining neighborhoods that back up
to those woods. A tracking dog was called to the scene & a large perimeter was searched, including Shorter Heights & Mt Alto Rd.
The tracking dog followed a scent from the house up the steep wooded hill on ShorterU's campus behind a dorm where the track
ended. ShorterU security had encountered a female dressed in dark clothing on the campus shortly after police arrived at the
home. However, she was not detained because they were not yet aware that the burglary had occured. A few days later, a 20 yr
old female was arrested for this burglary after confessing to the whole incident.
(scroll down) >>
RCPD Ceremony Retires One & Promotes Five >> more info
SUPERSIZE IMAGES >>1
| 2
| 3
- RCPD DUI Task Force Officer, Steve Cantrell, was traveling southbound on 27 S just past the Darlington Dr overpass when he
was surprised by a loud pop & then the sound of glass breaking. He stated that he thought his car had been hit by gunfire but
after inspecting the damage, it was discovered that a golfball sized rock had impacted the rear window's trim and then shattered
the smaller glass pane. There was no vehicle in front of him that could have spun the rock from its tires and no person was
visible on the roadside. However, the impact location was close to where Silver Ave's dead end runs near 27 S and it was
thought that someone may have thrown the rock or possibly used a sling shot from that area. But a quick search of the area
produced no leads.
Shorter Athletics Publicizes Proposal & Berry Fires Back >> RSN
SUPERSIZE IMAGES >>1
| 2
| 3
Demolition of buildings on the triangle lot which is currently a hub for Shorter / T McCall / 2nd Ave has begun. The longtime
finance business at that location has been leveled with more to come in the future making room for a more efficient intersection.
>> CRIME SCENE IMAGE
Multiple RCPD units responded to the iHOP restaurant off Riverbend Dr in E Rome due to several shots fired in the lot after a
fight. Upon arrival, RCPD officers saw multiple cars leaving the lot. Spent 9mm shell casings and unfired rounds were found
in the lot along with scattered drops of blood. A significant amount of blood was also found in the bathroom. A black male
believed to be driving a white Ford Explorer or Expedition is believed to have a hand injury. Area hospitals were notified to
be on the lookout for walk-ins. Contact RCPD at 706.238.5111 or call 911 if you have any info.
>> ARREST / CHARGES IMAGE
An SUV collided with a power pole on T McCall at E 7th St which resulted in downed lines on T McCall at LJS's shutting down
the north & south lanes. Traffic was diverted to nearby streets on either side of the affected area for about 1.5 hours. The
driver was not injured and was charged with DUI from preliminary test results showing at least twice the legal limit. A blood
test was also performed.
SECURITY>> IMAGE 1
| >> IMAGE 2
An armed robbery was reported at the Silver Creek minimart in the 5000 block of Rockmart Hwy. The suspect was described as a
white male using a black mask, wearing a brown hoodie with large lettering, what was described as red plaid pajama type pants
and some type of camouflage cloth covering a what appears to be a gun. He fled the store on foot and headed behind the store.
An FCPD canine unit was also called to the scene and police believe he escaped with the help of an accomplice.
FYi See today's & archived Floyd jail daily booking reports complete with pictures
& bios. To view the reports, local in-car police videos, activity & MUCH more, click the Rome CrimeMapping panel link above.
A DUI driver attempted a daring escape after being found a 2nd time passed out with child passenger >> more info
>> RCPD Rome Children's Dentistry Complaint Form(.PDF)
| RCD Facebook SHUT DOWN
| >> RCD Website
| >> RCD Listed Dentist 5ONLY ONE LEFT ON SITE.
Federal agents search Children's Dentistry of Rome. >> RCPD RELEASE(.PDF)
- Still not ONE word about this from Rome's "Business News Leader" Hometown Headlines. Its self-described "affluent" audience
may not be interested. Maybe if RCD had upgraded their sign, painted their building or joined Twitter it would have been top
news for HTH . . . typical.
FYi Can you believe this crap stated by one of RNT's airhead reporters? "Phones were ringing
off the hook at RCPD Friday . . . The barrage came after the RNT reported the opening of a criminal investigation into the
dentist office located at 204 Redmond Road on Thursday." Yes folks, that statement comes from the same "reporter", more
like clueless intern, that calls and asks for details about a serious wreck from a first responding officer while he is
driving with lights & siren & BEFORE he arrives at the scene to know anything himself. Hey RNT, welcome to the 21st
century! Not only is there something called the internet, but there are also several other local media sources in Rome that
significantly contributed to the "barrage" of calls and EVERYBODY got the SAME RCPD media release you got you LYING, CONCEITED
MORONS!!!, including a "little" tv station in Atlanta that broadcast RFN's video & their own along with a report at least 3
times to MILLIONS each time, not just thousands, like your pathetic dying paper. By the way RNT, together, our video was far
more interesting than your boring drivel.
UPDATE Top Local Realtor Declares Bankruptcy for an estimated 10s of Millions in
Liabilities >> RNTEARLIER >> Top Local Realtor Facing Possible Overdue Tax Selloff of 100+ Properties >> RNT
RFN provided its 5th LIVE video webcast of the ENTIRE 2012 Rome Christmas parade. Please inform all of those you know that
have ties to Rome or could not attend. view a decade of Rome Christmas parades and more by clicking the image below.
(scroll down) >>
Santa, his reindeer and Rudolph too (see link for proof!) arrived in Rome at the mall on 27N recently.
See NEW 2012 Santa & Reindeer >> VIDEO
& IMAGES from Friday evening along with Santa's visitation schedule up until Christmas.
Plane >> IMAGE
Rome's airport director, Mike Mathews, reported an emergency belly landing of a Beachcraft, single engine, v-tail, prop plane
with a local pilot as the sole occupant. According to Mathews, the pilot was going to perform touch and go's but the landing
gear would not deploy. It eventually landed safely with no injuries to the pilot but had skid damage to the plane's underbelly.
The FAA will investigate and RFD responded as a precaution.
A truck left Shorter Ave racing up the 20 ft bank at Midtown Crossing,
rode up a light pole causing it to completely roll over then it accelerated and slammed through an iron fence with brick
columns finally striking a restaurant's building. The driver was transported for treatment and the cause was thought to be
related to a medical condition >> VIDEO
and SUPERSIZE IMAGES >>1
| 2
| 3
NAIA Officials Shorten Contract for Annual Game Event in Rome >> RSN
Robert Timothy
Spriggs pled guilty and was sentenced on October 22nd. Get a link to the latest info, see exclusive second shooting location
and suspect arrest video & hear exclusive dramatic 911 audio from frantic callers along with all police agencies involved as
it happened >> 911 AUDIO, SHOOTING LOCATION & ARREST VIDEO
- >> [BACK TO TOP]
YOUR INDEXED SELECTION IS ABOVE
ShorterU Secures Long Term Contract for Stadium Use >> RSN
(Features Two Police Camera Angles) Since the end of August, RFN was made aware of rumors, pictures & possible phone
video of a man seen running nude down Turner McCall that were circulating on the internet but a few early attempts contacting
officials for info got no results. Well, it's no urban legend & you know RFN does not settle for boring text news reports or
pictures, so view the exclusive world premiere police video below of the Turner McCall streaking runner! Boring version >> RNT
- [>> back to top](scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
FYi See today's & archived Floyd jail daily booking reports complete with pictures
& bios. To view the reports, local in-car police videos, activity & MUCH more, click the Rome CrimeMapping panel link above.
IMAGES >>1
| 2
| 3
RFD responded to an industrial site across from the first block of Kirton St[aerial map]
across from the W End Shopping Center on Shorter Ave due to a reported overturned tanker trailer at Lewis Chemical. The content
of the tank on the trailer was said to be some type of detergent by the owner and reported that no ruptures were evident. Two
large cranes were brought in to upright the trailer.
To view a SUPERSIZE suspect sketch image click here
& for more info on the attempted abduction suspect of an 8 yr old girl >> RNT
THE TRUTH IS FINALLY SEEN & TOLD ABOUT RNT! Click here
to view twelve interesting, revealing & candid internal RNT videos with answers to some prophetic questions such as, "what
would be the effect if your newspaper were to close and not be replaced?" replying with statements like "The biggest problem
is that people just wouldn't know about anything . . . If we go away, you lose all of it. Because no matter how someone tries,
they're not going to be able to do what we do." Along with other detailed discussions by RNT management that seem to go hand
in hand with recent legal & financial troubles involving the Rome News, you won't believe the arrogance & ignorance portrayed
in the videos. Apparently, these oracles aren't aware that this is 2012 & the internet provides unlimited sources of news &
information & not just RNT's version of it. You'll get to see first hand why RFN & others have such contempt for these RNT
buffoons.
Rome News Tribune Buildings Close to Foreclosure>> RNT.
Another local business news website revealed more info unreported by RNT such as unpaid taxes, financial troubles and much
more involving the struggling newspaper.
Berry Vikings Announce Inaugural Football Schedule >> RSN
View dramatic video below from the scene of a raging fire just moments after trapped residents escaped from the flames. Late
in the night, FCPD, RFD & multiple EMS units responded to an address on W 2nd Ave near the mill in Lindale.
(scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
The call came in to 911 stating that 2 residents had awakened to find themselves threatened by growing intense flames and
were trapped. Minutes later at least one managed to jump from a 2nd story window on the back side to escape the flames. As
this was happening, first responding FCPD officers, Matt Meyer and Sgt Josh Harkins arrived and ran toward the burning house
with Meyer requesting multiple ambulances. As Officer Meyer approached the house, he saw that the original two had escaped
but fearing that other residents may still be inside he rushed inside to check for any that may have still been trapped in
the other apartment but no other residents were found. While Meyer was inside, Sgt Harkins managed to free the pet retriever
dog that was tied by a leash on the porch. The two victims were taken to the hospital for treatment and the dog was given
fresh water and checked on frequently by both FCPD officers while RFD firefighters extinguished the intense fire within 30
minutes. It was determined that when power was restored after an outage due to a storm, a heating element on a stove that had
been left on was re-heated & eventually started the fire.
View behind the scenes video below featuring fireworks display technicians from Zambelli International to see how the Rome
fireworks show is put together each year. RFPRA July 4th Fireworks Event Lineup>> RSN(scroll down for more info) >>
Crime Scene IMAGES >> IMAGE 1
| IMAGE 2
| IMAGE 3
The phone cable copper bandit struck again. This time causing a 2+ hour power outage. RCPD Capt. Paul Greene & assisting
officers arrived at the same location of earlier damage on HWY 101 to find a blacked out abyss in the Saddle Mt area all the
way out to the 3000 block of 101. Officers discovered fresh vehicle tracks on a grass trail coming from the woods. Deeper
into the trail, they also found a cutting tool, utility bag & another item they could not release info about. GP techs stated
that the second attempt to steal the phone lines caused a load shift on the nearby pole that stressed the power lines cutting
the power. A nearby resident also told police they heard a boom shortly before police arrived. EARLIER >> 1K+ without phone service in Hwy 101 / Saddle Mt area due to copper theft damage >> RNT
FYi: The new Armuchee connector is now open for traffic connecting near Riverside
Pkwy to Old Summerville Rd near 27 North.
View video below of a medium sized black bear was seen by 911 employees wandering by the law enforcement center downtown.
While being monitored by police the whole time, the bear moved down the sidewalk by the river toward the library. The wooded
area at the corner of Turner McCall at Riverside was monitored by police for about 1.5 hours when a few walkers spotted the
bear emerging near the guard rail but he disappeared again after a couple of minutes. DNR was on the scene ready to dart the
bear if necessary but about 10 minutes later he reappeared and made a run for it across Turner McCall through a coffee shop's
parking lot, across Riverside Pkwy and into the woods behind the old duck pond.
(scroll down for more info) >>
FYi See what the law says in Social Media and Your Kids VIDEO >> WSB
Berry Introduces First Head Football Coach with VIDEO >> RSN
RFD responded to an intense semi-truck fire on the loop near Hwy 53 that most likely started from the right rear tire area &
produced so much heat that it ignited the packaging containing corn starch inside the trailer. See images >> IMAGE 1
| IMAGE 2
| IMAGE 3
| IMAGE 4
Former RFPRA Gymnastics Instructor, Karen Armstrong, Cleared of Theft of Money Charges >> RSN
IMAGE 1
| IMAGE 2
View video below. Mt Alto Rd experienced longer than expected traffic delays and a little more a second day due to two blown
tires on the trailer transporting the new communications building to the top the first day. The towing rig slowed to a crawl
and was eventually stopped just short of Brow Rd to repair the blown out tires. The transfer of the building on its foundation
was successfully completed the second day.
(scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
Floyd Police Launches New Internet Presence >> more info
View UNCUT video below of 2012 Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich's entire event appearance in Rome. NOTE: Use
player's slider to skip around in realtime. Closeup audience interaction starts at 33:50.
(scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
Sole Occupant Trapped in DUI Truck Rollover in Cave Spring Says He Was Not Driving >> more info
>> VIDEO
A Norfolk Southern rail car containing what was described as polyethylene (plastic) beads derailed in the NFS rail yard[aerial map]
just behind the Floyd County Jail. It was reported that the contents of the car are not hazardous material but the plastic
beads entered a water-way and are spreading downstream. It is not known if that water-way is a small stream, creek or sewer
drainage ditch. Ga DNR officers were on the scene and Norfolk Southern sent a hazardous material team from Atlanta as a
precaution.
Unity Christian in Rome Forfeits State Football Title & All 2011 Wins Due to Eligibility Issues >> RSN
Be sure to check out the LOCAL LINKS page link located in the main menu module above.
Rome Resident Confronts Nearby Store Burglar at Gunpoint >> CBS Atlanta
To view CBS Atlanta raw aerial video of heavily damaged areas, click here.
View uncut, dramatic RFN video below from the scene resembling a war zone on Division St between Shorter Ave & John Davenport
Dr. due to the December 2012 EF-2 tornado. This storm was similar to, if not worse than, last April's series of tornadoes.
The video includes a first person view of an overturned truck, blown out walls on a warehouse & various twisted trees and
snapped power poles. In addition to all emergency services personnel who responded all over the area, RCPD officer (75) Bryan
Goresh was slightly injured when aiding other injured motorists in this Division St video.
(scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
To view RFN video in a CBS Atlanta report, click here
and to view a detailed Floyd EMA damage report, click here.
View the ENTIRE 2011 Rome Christmas Parade at the link below. Click here
for promo. Please help spread the word to all locals and out of towners with ties to Rome that could not attend. Click here
to view video of past parades & visit RomeChristmasParade.com
for more parade info.
(scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
Santa's reindeer were in Rome recently. View reindeer video and SUPERSIZE images below and see if you can find Rudolph.
(scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
View video below from the scene showing Polk County school bus #23-06 loaded with 30-40 students that collided with a wrecker
on the loop at New Calhoun Hwy 53. According to a parent at the ER, the students were reported to be from Cedartown High and
Middle Schools returning from a wrestling meet. Minor injuries to multiple students were reported and the wrecker driver had
minor facial injuries. All bus passengers were immediately relocated to a church lot at that intersection and then reportedly
loaded onto a local bus and transported to the hospital for evaluation. RCPD is investigating the cause of the accident.
(scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
The RFPRA hosted a town hall meeting about the public's use of Barron Stadium's new track with plenty of nonstop moderate and
heated discussion between RFPRA's director, citizens, a Shorter athletics coach and a few local govt officials. The tough
questions and comments began shortly after the quick introduction and around 38 minutes, RSN's camera eventually went handheld
to the front of the room covering the discussion and to better capture faces and emotion. View exclusive RSN video below from
this meeting in its entirety. For track schedule info, click here(scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
View dramatic video below from the scene of a heavily involved house fire in River Ridge on Horseleg Creek Rd. Multiple RFD
units responded to the fire at 31 Huntington Rd. All residents were able to escape without injury. The cause of the fire is
being investigated.
(scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
For a first look at Rome Fire Department's brand new RED fire truck, click the image below.
(scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
Images from the scene >>IMAGE 1 | IMAGE 2
RFD responded to the OTR plant in the 100 block of North Ave because of an explosion that sent at least two to the hospital.
As seen in the RFN images, a large portion of the building's wall was blown out. The explosion was due to a ruptured high
pressure steam system. According to RFD Chief Gordon Henderson, injuries that were reported were steam burns and possible
concussions from the blast.
Click here
for location image. RFD responded to the cancer treatment center lot on W 5th St downtown extinguishing a fully involved van
that also heavily damaged an SUV next to it. Upon arrival, RFD reported a large black column of smoke visible a few blocks
away. An older female's body was eventually found dead inside the van prompting the coroner, fire marshal and an RCPD
investigator to be called to the scene.
8.25.11 UPDATE Memorial Gym is now gone. Click here
to view SUPERSIZED images of the recent stadium entrance and track construction as well as demolition of Memorial Gym from
downtown.
Visible flames were reported to be coming from the roof of the movie theater at the Mt Berry Mall complex. All movie occupants
were evacuated and the power was eventually shut off. Images from the scene >>IMAGE 1 | IMAGE 2 | IMAGE 3
View detailed video below from the scene of a fatal wreck involving an FCPD officer and citizen driver on 20 West near West
Dr in West Rome. The citizen driver sustained fatal injuries from the impact and a young male passenger is recovering from
his non-lifethreatening injuries.
(scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
View video below from the scene of a home in the 600 block of Trove Dr in W Rome where a truck slammed into the front of a
house. The ex-wife that was reportedly trapped by the truck after it drove into the front of the house fired several shots in
response hitting the driver once in the shoulder area. This is related to a restraining order against the driver confirmed by
RCPD. The man was transported to the hospital, treated and released then taken to the Floyd County Jail and charged with
multiple felonies.
(scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
Task Force Launches New Tennis Center Website. Also see full length video
discussions and documentation of the project >> RSN
Trees and powerlines were down all over the Rome/Floyd area recently with Lionel Ln in E Rome's Sherwood Forest experiencing
several damage reports. Click here
to view RFN's Lionel Ln storm damage video featured in a CBS Atlanta report.
View SUPERSIZE images and a demo video below of RCPD's new automated tag scanning unit.
(scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
Click here
to view video from the scene as RFD responded to a fire on the roof of one of the old Zartic buildings on Lavender Dr in West
Rome. Upon arrival, RFD reported seeing visible flames on the building and the fire was out within 15 minutes.
View video below with no gaps complete with shot index featuring the entire 2011 Peace Officers Memorial Day Service
video from the event at the Law Enforcement Center Memorial Plaza on 5th Ave. This video is also viewable on mobile devices
and tablets via RealFastNews.MOBi
(scroll down for more info) >>
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View RFN video below from Rome tornado damage.
(scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
View video below of RFD rescue, Floyd EMA and DNR officers assisting in the recovery of the body of a 56 yr old white male
from the Coosa River. The body was discovered by a few people walking over a bridge downtown. Police were able to identify
the body as being a Calhoun resident after finding indentifying items in his clothing.
(scroll down for more info) >>
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View RFN T McCall & N Broad St severe storm damage video below where a passenger was trapped on a bus with live, arcing
power lines resting on the bus.
(scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
A tree fell on a Grove Ave home in Lindale during severe weather in Floyd County. View video below from the scene as well as
an interview with the resident who gave thanks to all RFD, FCPD, and EMA agencies. Click here
to view RFN video that aired on CBS Atlanta newscasts.
(scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
View exclusive video below from severe storm damage on the scene from South Broad St. A young Rome driver hit an already fallen
tree and destroyed his car but received no injuries. He was then able to actually drive the car a short distance from the
scene with no windshield, hood and more extensive damage.
(scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
Rome City Police Launches Facebook Page >> more info
RFPRA Releases Design Plans of Barron Stadium Complex >> RSN
View exclusive RFN video below from Little Dry Creek Rd [map]
where a driver caught in high water was rescued by RCPD officer Anthony Norton.
(scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
Click CBS 1,
CBS 2
and CBS 3
for RFN video that aired in CBS Atlanta newscasts.
View New Concept Video, Master Plan and exclusive RSN press conference video of
Proposed Rome Tennis Megaplex >> RSN
Floyd Schools Weekly Activity Messenger >> more info
See the entire 1993 blizzard Task Force "stranded" & "residential" webisodes as well as the National Geographic 1993 Storm of
the Century documentary featuring several Rome / Floyd police, 911 Operators & EMA Crews at the link below.
(scroll down) >>
View video below from the scene of Greg Stanley Automotive in the 900 block of DeSoto Ave showing the business's roof that
collapsed apparently caused by the weight of heavy snowfall. At least 3 vehicles were in the shop but nobody was reported to
be injured.
(scroll down) >>
View the 2010 Top Video Downloads at the link below. Click 2007,
2008 and 2009
to view more RFN Top Video Downloads.
(scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
RFN provided the third LIVE video webcast of the Rome Christmas parade. Click on the link below to view the entire 2010 parade video
on-demand. Click here
for more parade info & multimedia. Click here
to view the parade's promo video.
You can also view the ENTIRE 2008, 2009 & 2010 Rome Christmas Parades on-demand at the Feature Video link above or by clicking here.
First it was Spyder the six legged deer (see that video below or at the archives link above) and
now it's Skip the two legged puppy. View extended video below of Skip, the two legged puppy along with his adoptive family Christina Dennis, her daughter
Libby and son, Christopher as they introduce Skip, the two legged puppy, to Rome and the world. Click here
for the CBS Atlanta video report. If you have any way to help this family cover the cost or provide any hardware for a wheeled
harness to make Skip's mobility easier, please contact Christina Dennis at 706.528.4935
(scroll down for more info) >>
(scroll down) >>
View video below from Marine paratrooper training operations where a chuter drifted into nearby treetops on the Berry College
Campus near Possum Trot. The chuter was successfully removed from a very tall tree without injury with assistance from RFD.
(scroll down for more info) >>
The training operations were being conducted by a unit from Smyrna, Ga with a single helicopter. Military officials did not
allow any video or pictures to be shot of the soldier while he was suspended in the tree but did allow recording of the flight
operations once they resumed.
View exclusive video below of the arrival of the arrested child abduction suspect at RCPD as well as the 7 yr old female
alleged abductee involved in a search which ended in Polk county a few hours after being reported. The incident began at a
Hosea St address where the suspect was said to have entered through a side window of the house taking the young girl. The
reason is still unknown as of this report. More Info >> RNT(scroll down for more info) >>
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Click on the 911 audio files below the video link to hear what happened during the Wachovia bank robbery and the police chase
that followed. Police say the robbery suspect was apparently from the Kennesaw area. (NOTE: Police traffic audio starts
at :50 in chase video below)
911 Audio from Bank Teller >> PLAY 911 Audio from Responding Officers >> PLAY RCPD Deputy Chief Lonzo Roberson Interview Video >> PLAY
View the 2009 Top Video Downloads at the link below. Click 2007,
2008 and 2010
to view more RFN Top Video Downloads.
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Click on any image below to view supersized, high resolution aerial type images of the Hight Homes demolition project on
Turner McCall Blvd.
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See recent onsite & previous renovation images of the new turf in place at Barron Stadium >> RSN
RFN provided a live video webcast of the 2010 July 4th fireworks display. If you missed the live webcast, the ENTIRE 2010
fireworks display is available on-demand below.
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All gaps were removed so it's non-stop fireworks! Click here
to view the entire 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010 fireworks displays along with an exclusive Behind the Scenes video of how it's all
put together each year.
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View video and supersize images below of the construction area of the new levee entrance to see more details.
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View video below from the scene of the Wendy's at 711 Martha Berry. A reported kitchen grill fire filled the building with
heavy smoke. RFD quickly arrived to evacuate the smoke and flames were reported to have been seen by first responders. No
injuries were reported. This is the second time this has happened at this location. View the other kitchen fire video at the
video archives link above.
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A huge tree fell into an apartment in the 400 block of Shorter Ave just across from Alto Plaza. Nobody was reported to be
injured or occupying the upstairs space. Click on any image below to supersize it.
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Rome City Police officer (51) Brent Novinger was involved in a one car accident on 27 South just before the Maple Street exit.
The officer suffered a busted nose but was conscious and coherent enough to call for help. Reports indicated he lost control
of his car in the curve on 27 South just before the Maple St exit. The car spun around and ended up dug into the opposing
sloped bank and was not drivable from the scene. The officer was taken to the hospital for treatment. Click on any image below
to enlarge it.
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Several roads flooded throughout Floyd county due to recent rainfall enough to be closed or nearly impassable including John
Davenport and Fox Croft in W Rome. Hover your mouse over any flood image below to pause and view its description. You can
also click on any image in the slideshow to enlarge it.
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Visit RomeSportsNet.com
to view on-demand video of the press conference for the proposed new Rome tennis court megaplex.
If you missed the LIVE video webcast featuring the introduction of new Shorter wrestling & lacrosse coaches press conference
view it on-demand now at RomeSportsNet.com
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Due to heavy ice on the road, an SUV slid off of Turner McCall Blvd at the bridge near K-Mart and plunged 60 ft down the
steep northbound 45°+ embankment into thick forest. The driver was trapped inside because the SUV's doors were against
the trees at the bottom of the abyss. Without hesitation, first responders scaled down the bank to confirm the driver's
condition. See extraction video below from the scene.
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In spite of the snow and ice, a family of 4 on Broad St in downtown Rome made the most of it with a snowball battle in the
video below. Another young girl was also found on Broad St dancing in the snow enjoying the day off. Both found themselves as
the opening shots on CBS Atlanta news Thursday night. View the entire snowball battle with RFN's video below and click here
for the CBS Atlanta video.
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View exclusive video from new Model High coach press conference only on >> RSN(scroll down for more info) >>
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Click here to view the ENTIRE
2008 & 2009 Rome Christmas parades. The 2008 parade video quality is at a significantly lower data rate than our typical
on-demand video because it was encoded for live delivery and was not recorded for re-encoding like the 2009 parade.
View exclusive video below from the scene of the second of two shootings and the suspect in custody after surrendering to
police. The FCPD investigated a complaint about a Floyd 911 operator's response procedure in the recent double shooting with
one fatality. Click here
for 911 radio traffic audio from ALL emergency agencies involved along with more details. Click here
to view RFN video in a CBS Atlanta report.
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View exclusive video below of the removal of the Girls Gone Wild bus that was parked without a permit on 4th Ave just up from
McCrobie's bar where a controversial GGW event was being held. As you will see in the video, the bus was minutes away from
being towed by order of the city police.
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A little earlier, another super coach was moved from behind the GGW bus avoiding an expensive towing fee as well. The
video also shows a protester openly speaking out against the event and having words with a passerby driver in the MIDDLE
of the intersection. Then one of the event organizers, Charles Craton, shows up to head off the bus from being towed allowing
time for the driver to come from another location to move it. The video contains conversations with police and event organizers
along with Craton displaying a double flip off hand gesture apparently showing his disapproval. Other than at least a couple of
people being removed from the event's location for various reasons, it seemed like a good bit of the show was out on the
sidewalk and street area as seen in the video. [>> BACK TO TOP]
View video below from the event that didn't set a world record but did set a record for Georgia and of course, Rome.
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1246 people dressed in togas showed for the event which was 921 short of the world record. Ann Arnold confirmed that many area
stores were cleared of all their white fabric because of the demand to make togas for this event. RFN's video of Rome's toga
party was broadcast as far away as Ireland on Tv3 due to Fox News distribution. Click here
to view the Tv3 video report.
View video below of 12 year old Erick Vicente who lives in the 1300 block of Cave Spring Rd and whose parents called Rome
firefighters to rescue his dog "Buddy". Rome firefighters, family and neighbors worked tirelessly in the summer heat for
several hours trying to free the dog that had been in the drainage pipe in front of the boy's house without food or water for
three days >> full story
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As with the 2008 & 2009 Christmas Parades, RFN also provided a live video webcast of the 2010 July 4th fireworks display.
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If you missed the live webcast, the ENTIRE 2010 fireworks display is available on-demand at the link above. RFN removed all
the gaps so it's non-stop fireworks. Click here
to view the entire 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010 fireworks displays along with an exclusive Behind the Scenes video of how it's all
put together each year.
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View the 2008 Top Video Downloads at the link below. Click 2007,
2009 and 2010
to view more RFN Top Video Downloads.
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View video below from the scene of a fire at the Rome/Floyd recycling center.
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Battalion Chief Steve Wilson said that a few bales of cardboard were on fire & smoldering and with the high possibility of
it quickly spreading to other surrounding materials, he called in multiple units to surround the lot for better containment.
The burning materials were quickly brought under control once firefighters arrived. Chief Wilson also mentioned that the
cloudy water seen in the video is most likey sediment from the city water lines. The materials involved are similar to the
ones in the massive fire at Marglen Industries a while back. You can see that dramatic video at the RFN Video Archives link
above. >> [back to top](scroll down) >>
View RFN video below from the scene of the Alfred Ave fire that spread up the side of Saddle Mt.
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Click here
to view the CBS Atlanta report. Once fire units arrived at the base of the mountain, additional trucks were called to the top
of the Saddle Mt subdivision to head off & assist in the containment of the fire rapidly climbing the southwest side of the
moutain from the 300 block of Alfred Ave in the neighborhood below. Flames were said to be in the tops of the trees leaping
25 ft high before firefighters could get the fire contained.
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Although the incident involving an Alabama woman dragging a small child through a Rome Verizon store on its back happened a
while ago, a video of it shot by someone in the store surfaced on YouTube.
Click here
to view the video & click here
to view the story from the RNT.
View video below from the scene along with a neighbor's description of hearing & feeling the partial destruction of a home by
a huge tree in the 300 block of Wright St in N Rome.
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The enormous tree split apart with one half falling on the home pictured above and gracing the roof of the neighboring house.
That address's neighbor, Cora Mitchell, heard the tree fall early that morning and just thanked God that it didn't travel any
further over onto her home. She said that as far as she knows, nobody lives at the destroyed residence.
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FloydFugitives.com
& FloydFugitives.MOBi, an affiliate of RealFastNews.com, relaunches in a cooperative effort with the Floyd County Sheriff's
office to help with the apprehension of the ten most wanted fugitives in Floyd County. The Floyd Sheriff's Office launched its
official dedicated website, floydcountysheriff.org
featuring the many operations of the Floyd Sheriff's Office. FloydFugitives.com
was first launched in 2003 but because of lower internet viewership & broadband users at the time, it was temporarily
discontinued. Click here
to enter the FloydFugitives.com
website and help spread the word!
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Floyd County EMA Launches Emergency Alert System.
Click here
(.doc) for more info. Click here
to register for the FREE service.
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View the extended RFN Rome U.S. Airways pilot interview below. Click here
to view the CBS Atlanta News report. RFN interviewed Bud Gammon, the U.S. Airways pilot that attended the U.S. Air Force
Academy with fellow U.S. Airways pilot, "Sulley", that safely landed a passenger jet in the Hudson River earlier this year.
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With over 4 MILLION+ online views already and thousands of posted comments, Spyder, Rome's six legged deer, appeared on the
Animal Planet show, Weird, True & Freaky.
Spyder is number 3 in the show's countdown and the episode name to look for on the airdate schedule is "Mutants 2".
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RFN's video of Spyder was seen by millions around the world on all broadcast and cable news networks and their associated
websites and print partners. RFN's video has been viewed thousands of times on RFN & so far over 4 MILLION+ times on
YouTube posted by CBS News. Click here
to view the YouTube video. Click here
to view RFN's deer video with extended vet interviews and more deer video.
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If you missed the LIVE video from the scene as it happened, view dramatic on-demand video below from the scene of the JHM
Textiles industrial fire just north of Rome at 1282 E Hermitage Rd.
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The fire burned for around four hours throughout the plant which was a total loss.
Click here
for a street view image of the location's entrance & here
for an aerial image of the location.
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View video below of Hugh F Davis, a resident on Horseleg Creek Rd, as he describes his experience of living on the Coosa
River which was rising less than 75 ft from his back door due to recent heavy rain. Also view other flooded locations
from Riverview Park & Sam King Fields.
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Martha Berry was shut down in the area of the train crossing for the removal of the old railroad bridge. View the video below.
The video features a timelapse montage of the removal of the old bridge.
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It's not called RealFastNews for nothing and it doesn't get any faster than LIVE! It's not exactly new technology but RealFastNews.com
is the first provider of mobile LIVE breaking news & event video for Rome & Floyd County to PCs and mobile devices. Other
than test shots, RFN's first webcast was the live broadcast of the recent 2008 Rome Christmas parade. You can now expect to
see LIVE mobile news video as it happens on location with this feature so far making RealFastNews.com the leading provider of
advanced electronic mobile newsgathering in Rome & Floyd County. Enjoy the ride because it's going to get interesting!
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If you missed the LIVE video webcast, you can view the ENTIRE 2008 & 2009 Rome Christmas Parades as they were seen during the
webcast at the Feature Video link above or by clicking here.
The video quality of the 2008 parade is at a significantly lower data rate than our typical on-demand video because it was
encoded for live delivery.
Click here
for the parade's promo video & click here
for more parade info & multimedia.
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Julie Armas gave RFN exclusive access to her home to produce a personal video tour given by Julie before select contents were
auctioned. The video tour visits each room while Julie describes select pieces that were available at the auction. Click here
to view the entire home tour! Sign up for FREE video alerts above to be notified about future breaking news and video when it
becomes available.
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The movie trailer for "Dance of The Dead", which was shot entirely in Rome, is now available to view. The crew spent about a
month in and around Rome at various locations but mostly at the old Coosa Middle School. The film features quite a few local
actors and extras as well. The high energy trailer looks to be what you would typically see at the theater and is now
available to view at several places online.
Click here
to view the movie's trailer!
Click here
& here
for info about the movie.
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If you haven't already, are not able or just don't have the time, take a virtual
walk across with a 360° view of Rome's pedestrian bridge at the Feature Video link above or
click here!
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Click here
for pedestrian bridge construction and completion images & video.
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View the 2007 Top Video Downloads at the link below. Click 2008,
2009 and 2010
to view more RFN Top Video Downloads.
Click here
for Rome / Floyd Crime Line info.
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Click here
for new traffic signal sensor info & images.
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Click here
to report bad traffic signals! (scroll down) >>
HAVE YOU REGISTERED FOR FREE VIDEO & NEWS ALERTS? JOIN MANY OTHER INFORMED RFN
ALERT SUBSCRIBERS & CLICK THE LINK ABOVE TO GET REAL FAST NEWS & VIDEO DELIVERED TO YOUR PC OR MOBILE DEVICE 24-7!
RealFastNews.com - WE'VE GOT THE GOOD STUFF!
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If you missed breaking news when it happened, you can catch up anytime by clicking
on the Video Archives link above or click here.
If you're on the go, be sure to visit RealFastNews.MOBi
the mobile edition for your mobile device! Click here
for important technical details.
(scroll down) >>
RealFastNews.MOBi
Feature Video
Get FREE PC & Mobile local news & video alerts >> HERE
If you or someone you
know have young children that needed a realistic reminder of who visited their house Christmas Eve, just show them these pictures & VIDEO of Santa & his REAL reindeer along with Rudolph's
glowing red nose as they arrived in Rome 
FBOE Streamed LIVE Video Introducing New MHS Football Coach 
SEE UNIQUE REAR VIEW ELEVATED CONSTRUCTION IMAGES Along with Info About the New Tennis
Center's Management Team 
911 Audio from Bank Teller 
Floyd County EMA Launches Emergency Alert System.
Click 
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the mobile edition for your mobile device! Click 
